Braves Right-Hander A.J. Smith-Shawver Hurts Elbow and Manager Brian Snitker Says Doesn’t Look Good
- Atlanta Braves right-handed rookie pitcher A.J. Smith-Shawver left his May 29, 2025 start early against the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia due to an apparent injury.
- Smith-Shawver left the game after experiencing a popping sensation in his right elbow following a hard-hit ball off Bryson Stott that struck his right ankle; the Braves have yet to provide an official update.
- Before this game, Smith-Shawver had a 3.86 ERA over nine starts and pitched 44⅓ innings, while the Braves’ pitching staff has endured several injuries including to All-Star Spencer Strider.
- Manager Brian Snitker confirmed that Smith-Shawver was sidelined with a right elbow injury and sent to Atlanta for further evaluation, noting between games that the outlook was unfavorable.
- Smith-Shawver’s injury represents a significant setback to Atlanta’s rotation depth and could require Bryce Elder to rejoin the rotation amid an ongoing injury-plagued season.
28 Articles
28 Articles

Braves RHP AJ Smith-Shawver diagnosed with torn UCL, placed on 60-day injured list
The Atlanta Braves say rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver has a torn UCL in his pitching elbow. Smith-Shawver left Thursday’s 5–4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader opener and said he felt a “pop.” The 22-year-old was initially placed…


Reports: Braves RHP AJ Smith-Shawver out for season with torn UCL
Atlanta right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver will miss the rest of this season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, according to multiple reports Friday.
Snitker says Smith-Shawver's elbow injury 'doesn't look good'
PHILADELPHIA — Atlanta rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver left Thursday’s 5–4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader opener with a strained right elbow, appearing to say “pop” toward manager Brian Snitker after a third-inning pitch to Trea Turner.
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