Salem Radio Network News Thursday, October 2, 2025

Sports

Reports: Braves RHP AJ Smith-Shawver out for season with torn UCL

Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

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.

He will likely miss part or potentially all of the 2026 season as well.

Smith-Shawver will reportedly consult with doctors further to determine whether he will undergo Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure.

The 22-year-old exited Thursday’s start with a right elbow injury after he “felt it pop,” according to Braves manager Brian Snitker.

In the third inning of an eventual 5-4 road loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of a doubleheader, Smith-Shawver was struck in his right ankle by a comebacker off the bat of Bryson Stott. After throwing a warmup pitch, the righty remained in the game before wincing while allowing a flyout to Trea Turner.

“Anytime you hear those words, when they describe soreness and ‘I felt something pop,’ then that’s usually not real good,” Snitker said Thursday.

Smith-Shawver allowed two runs on three hits over 2 2/3 innings of a no-decision before returning to Atlanta for the imaging that revealed the tear.

He was 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA nine starts this season, including a 3-0 record with a 3.52 ERA over his past six starts.

A seventh-round pick by the Braves in the 2021 draft, the Fort Worth, Texas, native started one game last season after starting five in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Previous
Next
The Media Line News
Salem Media, our partners, and affiliates use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize site content, and deliver relevant video recommendations. By using this website and continuing to navigate, you consent to our use of such technologies and the sharing of video viewing activity with third-party partners in accordance with the Video Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws. Privacy Policy
OK
X CLOSE