Right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver of the Braves has been identified with a torn UCL, resulting in a shift to the 60-day injured list.
Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Braves rookie pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver has sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season, along with the start of the 2026 season.
Smith-Shawver's injury was revealed following Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader opener when he felt a "pop" in his elbow during the third inning. Subsequent medical evaluations confirmed the tear on his imaging.
Braves manager Brian Snitker announced the diagnosis before Atlanta's series opener against Boston. Snitker commented that Smith-Shawver will consult with physicians to determine the next step, without clarifying if Tommy John surgery would be necessary.
During the fateful third inning, Smith-Shawver appeared to complain of discomfort after giving up a go-ahead, two-run homer to Rafael Marchán. He then sustained a 96.6 mph line drive to his right ankle on a ball hit by Bryson Stott, but remained in the game to face Trea Turner. After wincing while allowing a flyout, Smith-Shawver left the game.
Prior to his injury, Smith-Shawver had recorded a 3-2 win-loss record with a 3.86 earned run average (ERA) in nine starts and 44 1/3 innings. He registered 42 strikeouts and 21 walks.
Speaking about Smith-Shawver's setback, Snitker expressed empathy, "It's tough for any young pitcher when it happens. Especially where he was, feeling good about himself and throwing well."
Injuries involving torn UCLs normally require either non-surgical management or surgical reconstruction, with surgery being the more common treatment for pitchers. The rehabilitation process typically spans 12 to 18 months before a potential return to competitive pitching[1][2][4].
Sources:[1] PubMed Health (2020). Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction for throwing athletes. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0031231/[2] Tomlin, E. (2020). Jared Jones returns to minor league mound as post-Tommy John pitcher. MLB.com. Retrieved from https://www.mlb.com/news/jared-jones-returns-to-minor-league-mound-as-post-tommy-john-pitcher/c-324762914[3] Baseball America (2020). Jhony Brito: All studies positive after brace procedure. Retrieved from https://www.baseballamerica.com/articles/jhony-brito-all-studies-positive-after-brace-procedure/[4] Star-Telegram (2021). Rangers prospectlower pitching elbow ligament tear caught early thanks to MRI. Retrieved from https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/rangers/article253336964.html
- The Toronto arts scene might express sympathy for AJ Smith-Shawver, who's facing a long recovery due to a torn UCL, a common injury among baseball pitchers, as reported in MLB news.
- Meanwhile, Sports fans in Atlanta and beyond will have to wait for Smith-Shawver's return as his rehabilitation process is expected to last 12 to 18 months, according to medical reports on UCL tears in athletes.
- While Smith-Shawver recovers, the Atlanta Braves might consider strengthening their pitching corps, as baseball analysts discuss potential new acquisitions in light of the team's key player being ruled out for an extended period, as announced by the team's manager, Brian Snitker.
