For starters, everyone who makes this top five list is not just a top Atlanta athlete, but a top athlete in their respective sport. For the next five days, I will be making a list of the top five current Atlanta pro athletes. There are so many guys to choose from, but only few will be selected.
Number 5: Shelby Miller
The Atlanta Braves starting pitcher comes in at number five, and he has earned every bit of recognition he has received. Miller was traded to the Braves before the 2015 season, when the Braves dealt Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden to the Cardinals. Atlanta fans did not know what they received in Miller, and I do not think the Cardinals know what they lost. Miller has been nothing short of spectacular for the Braves so far. In 17 starts, he carries an outstanding 2.07 ERA. He was one out away from a no-hitter on May 17 against the Marlins. Miller’s relies mostly on his fastball (two-seam), a newly developed cutter, and a curve, which hitters have found very hard to hit. His K/9 is currently is 7.29, and opponents batting average against Miller is .214. At this point in the season, Miller could possibly be a candidate for Cy Young, as he is a pitcher that many fear to face. This player is not just the present, but the future as an ace for the Braves. This is only his fourth season in the MLB, so he has plenty of years to be dominant.