Braves' A.J. Smith-Shawver expected to make season debut vs. Cubs

(Photo credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

Atlanta is expected to recall top rookie pitching prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver to start the rubber game of the three-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday.

The teams split the first two games, with Chicago winning the opener 4-3 in 10 innings and Atlanta taking the second game 9-2. Atlanta leads the season series 3-2.

Smith-Shawver, a hard-throwing