Smith-Shawver allowed a run in the second inning before Tommy Edman took him deep for a two-run homer in the third. Atlanta has made it clear that the right-hander will get an opportunity to show what he can do as part of a six-man rotation, and any further success could give him a shot at a permanent role should the club eventually return to five starters. Smith-Shawver has allowed nine runs across 13.2 innings through three starts this season. He's lined up for another difficult matchup Tuesday against the Nationals.

Making just his second big-league appearance of the season, Smith-Shawver retired the first seven batters he faced before the wheels began to come off in the third inning, as four straight Minnesota hitters reached base before the right-hander coaxed a double play out of Josh Bell to escape the jam. Smith-Shawver wasn't so lucky in the fifth, getting the hook after 75 pitches (49 strikes) following a bases-loaded walk to Bell. Atlanta has indicated the 23-year-old will remain in the rotation for now as part of a six-man unit -- the team is in the middle of a three-week stretch with just one scheduled off day that takes them to Sept. 3 -- but he'll need to perform better to keep his spot. Smith-Shawver is set to make his next trip to the mound at home next week against the Dodgers.