Braves News: AJ Smith-Shawver tears UCL, series opening loss, and more

The Atlanta Braves caught another terrible break on Friday, as starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver was diagnosed with a torn UCL. It has not been revealed if he will require Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure. He will, however, miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign and the majority of 2026.

Smith-Shawver exited his Thursday start after feeling a “pop” in the third inning, and this news was essentially the worst case scenario for Atlanta.

Advertisement

Skipper Brian Snitker announced that Bryce Elder will come up to take Smith-Shawver’s rotation spot.

More Braves News:

Friday marked another frustrating game for the Braves, who dropped the series opener to the Boston Red Sox, 5-1.

Not only was AJ Smith-Shawver placed on the injured list, but the Braves also placed outfielder Stuart Fairchild on the 10-day injured list due to a dislocated finger.

Nathan Wiles put together a scoreless six-inning outing for the Gwinnett Stripers. More in the minor league recap.

MLB News:

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips will undergo Tommy John surgery. He will miss the remainder of 2025 and a portion of 2026 as well.

Advertisement

The Detroit Tigers placed right-hander Jackson Jobe on the 15-day injured list due to a grade one flexor strain.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander landed on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. In a corresponding move, the club recalled Alan Roden.

The Baltimore Orioles placed center fielder Cedric Mullins on the 10-day injured list due to a mild hamstring strain. The move is retroactive to May 29.

More from batterypower.com:

Related Posts

BREAKING: Hot-hіttіng Red Sox corner іnfіeld рroѕрect рromoted to Trірle-A аfter wіld teаr

On Sunday, the Boston Red Sox promoted first base/third base prospect Blaze Jordan to Triple-A, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive. The right-handed hit

BREAKING: Braves can save Ronald Acuña Jr. by signing his former rival

Now a free agent, could Dom Smith be an option for depth in Atlanta’s outfield? The Atlanta Braves have seen plenty of Dom Smith in the past,…

REPORT: Orioles fans turn on Jackson Holliday with no one else to blame

Orioles fans are fed up with one aspect of Jackson Holliday’s game. Baltimore Orioles fans are fed up with one aspect of Jackson Holliday’s game, and it’s…

Ronald Acuna Jr. has returned with a vengeance, but he can’t save the Braves alone

The Atlanta Braves finally got Ronald Acuña Jr. and he is raking. Unfortunately, it is becoming obvious that his return isn’t going to be enough.

Story knocks in 3 runs and Crochet strikes out 12 in 7 innings to lead Red Sox past Braves 3-1

Trevor Story had a three-run double in the first inning and Garrett Crochet struck out 12 in seven innings of one-run ball, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Story went 2 for 3 and just missed a grand slam in the first when he hit a 1-0 pitch from Bryce Elder 413 feet off the top of the wall in center, driving in Boston’s only runs. Story had a big series in Atlanta, hitting a go-ahead two-run homer in a 5-1 Red Sox win Friday.

Yankees Lose Veteran Slugger After Major Contract Decision

Dominic Smith opted out of his contract with the Yankees on Sunday after his hot start in the minors did not yield a promotion to the majors