Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain, according to manager Brian Snitker. The move comes after Smith-Shawver departed in the third inning of today’s doubleheader against the Phillies due to discomfort in his elbow.
Smith-Shawver had been pitching well before his injury, and his departure from the game was sudden and unexpected. While details about the extent of the injury are still unknown, Snitker expressed concern for Smith-Shawver’s health.
The injury is a significant blow to the Braves’ rotation, which has struggled with consistency throughout the season. With Smith-Shawver out, the team will need to rely on its other pitchers to fill the void.
Braves fans took to social media to express their support and well-wishes for Smith-Shawver, who was considered one of the promising young pitching prospects in the organization. Despite the injury, many fans remain optimistic about his future with the Braves.
As for the team’s performance this season, it has been a mixed bag. The offense has struggled to find its rhythm, while the bullpen has been inconsistent. Manager Snitker has faced criticism from some fans, but he remains committed to making changes and improving the team’s overall performance.
The injury to Smith-Shawver highlights the challenges of keeping pitchers healthy in baseball, which is notoriously demanding on the body. The Braves will need to be cautious with their pitching staff moving forward to ensure that they can recover quickly and maintain their effectiveness.
In the meantime, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for Smith-Shawver and the rest of the Braves’ rotation. With proper care and recovery, Smith-Shawver has the potential to return to form and make a significant impact on the team’s success.
Source: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/aj-smith-shawver-being-evaluated-for-elbow-injury.html