ATLANTA -- Jared Shuster’s days as the Braves’ top prospect are dwindling as he nears the end of his MLB Pipeline prospect eligibility. But as he has started to entrench himself with Atlanta’s rotation, it has become more clear why he gained so much respect during his Minor League days.

Shuster has allowed three runs or fewer and lasted at least five innings in each of the three starts he has made since returning to the Majors. The left-hander has 15 strikeouts and six walks over 16 2/3 innings during that span.

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It’s safe to say his command has been much better than it was, when he issued nine walks and recorded just five strikeouts while totaling 8 2/3 innings in the two starts he made before being optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in early April.

Those were the first two starts of his career. So, there was obvious room for growth. Fortunately, the young hurler has grown quickly and now stands  as somebody who can effectively hold a big league rotation spot, at least until Max Fried and Kyle Wright return from the injured list.

Shuster’s confidence gained a big boost on May 21, when he allowed just one run and one hit over six innings against the Mariners. He notched his first career win with that effort and followed it up by allowing the Phillies three runs over 5 2/3 innings on Friday.  His next assignment will come Wednesday, when he starts against the A’s in Oakland.

Braves manager Brian Snitker has been pleased with what he’s seen from both Shuster and Dylan Dodd, who was sent back to Gwinnett after making a spot start on Thursday.

“With the limited experience they both have, you can see they will be very productive Major League pitchers for a long time,” Snitker said.

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