The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season has hit a significant roadblock with the news that promising rookie pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver has suffered a season-ending injury. Smith-Shawver underwent Tommy John surgery on Monday, confirming a complete tear of his ulnar collateral ligament, which will keep him out for 12 to 14 months, potentially until mid-2026.
Injury Details
– Torn UCL: Smith-Shawver’s MRI confirmed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, ruling out any chance of him pitching for the Braves this season.
– Tommy John Surgery: The surgery, performed by Dr. Keith Meister, is expected to keep Smith-Shawver sidelined for an extended period, casting a shadow over Atlanta’s playoff hopes ¹ ².
Impact on the Team
– Rotation Void: Smith-Shawver’s absence leaves a significant void in the Braves’ rotation, which was already struggling with injuries to other key players.
– Relying on Others: The team will now rely heavily on Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder, none of whom provide the same level of depth or consistency as Smith-Shawver.
– Trade Deadline: The Braves may look to add pitching help ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run ³.
Smith-Shawver’s Prospects
– Bright Future: Despite the setback, Smith-Shawver’s long-term outlook remains optimistic, with manager Brian Snitker emphasizing his bright future and potential for a long career ahead.
– Development Time: Smith-Shawver will miss critical development time while accumulating service time and pay during his rehab, potentially returning by mid-2026 or even 2027 ¹.
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