AJ Smith-Shawver Injured: A Setback for the Braves
Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver is set to miss the rest of the 2025 season and possibly more due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his elbow. This injury occurred during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, raising questions about how it happened and what it means for his future.
Smith-Shawver, who was considered a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year, was placed on the 60-day injured list shortly after the injury was diagnosed. The team is currently evaluating whether he will need Tommy John surgery or the newer internal brace procedure. While the internal brace may allow for a quicker recovery, both options mean he won’t be back on the mound until at least the start of the 2026 season.
The unfortunate injury unfolded in the third inning of his start against the Phillies. He was initially struck by a 96.6 mph line drive off the bat of Bryson Stott, hitting him in the ankle. Despite this impact, Smith-Shawver remained in the game, showing resilience and determination. However, as he faced Trea Turner a few pitches later, he began to show signs of discomfort, shaking his arm and wincing.
The Braves’ coaching staff, who were observing the game, seemed to notice the pitcher’s struggle only after fellow teammate Spencer Strider alerted them. Strider himself is familiar with elbow injuries, having missed a significant portion of the previous season due to a similar issue. Following Turner’s at-bat, Smith-Shawver reported to manager Brian Snitker that he felt a "pop" in his elbow.
Interestingly, Smith-Shawver’s pitching velocity began to drop noticeably as the inning progressed. His final pitch to Stott registered at 95.8 mph, which was slower than his earlier pitches of the day. Subsequent pitches to Turner continued to decline in speed, reaching a low of 94.2 mph by the end of the at-bat. These signs suggested something was off, leading to a disturbing realization for both the player and the team.
The Braves are currently dealing with the effects of this significant loss. Evaluated as the 83rd overall prospect by Baseball America before the season, Smith-Shawver had established himself as a key player contributing to the team’s efforts to rebound from a slow start. His absence will be felt as the Braves look to navigate the remainder of the season without him.
The injury raises questions about the protocols and attentiveness of the coaching staff when monitoring player health. Some fans and analysts wonder whether more proactive measures could have been taken to prevent this setback. In any sport, monitoring player health is crucial, particularly when it comes to pitchers, who are more susceptible to arm injuries.
For Smith-Shawver, the road to recovery will be challenging. The process of rehabilitation after UCL surgery can be lengthy, often taking up to a year or more. As he begins this journey, he remains hopeful that he can return to the level of performance that made him a standout in his rookie season. His determination and skill have made him a valued member of the Braves organization, and many are looking forward to seeing him back on the field.
The Braves’ focus is now on regrouping as a team. Injuries are a common hurdle in sports, and overcoming them often depends on collaboration and resilience among teammates. For fans, it’s an opportunity to rally behind the team and show support during challenging times.
As AJ Smith-Shawver embarks on his recovery, both the team and supporters are keeping a close watch. The baseball world will be eager to see how he bounces back from this injury and re-establishes himself in the league. The Braves organization is confident he will return stronger and continue to be a significant part of their future ambitions.
Overall, while this injury is undoubtedly a tough blow for the Braves and Smith-Shawver himself, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face in their careers. With determination and the right support, there is hope for a successful return in the seasons to come. Seeing him back on the mound will be a moment to look forward to for baseball fans and the Braves community alike.
