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Written by: E. George
Published June 2, 2025 @ 12:50 PM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – Atlanta Braves rookie pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, a setback that adds to an already battered Braves rotation. The team confirmed the diagnosis Friday and said the right-hander is evaluating surgical options.
Smith-Shawver exited Thursday’s start against Philadelphia after experiencing elbow discomfort, later revealed to be a torn UCL. The incident occurred shortly after the 21-year-old was struck on the ankle by a 96.6 mph line drive. Though the initial concern appeared to be his ankle, he reported elbow pain shortly afterward and was removed from the game. He was placed on the injured list later that day.
The extent of his recovery timeline will depend on whether he undergoes traditional Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure. Both options carry lengthy rehabilitation windows, with the former typically sidelining pitchers for 14 to 18 months and the latter requiring about a year. Either outcome is expected to affect his availability for part or all of the 2026 campaign.
Smith-Shawver had emerged as a stabilizing force for the Braves amid an injury-riddled season for the starting rotation. He posted a 3.86 ERA across nine starts with a 3-2 record, including a strong 2.33 ERA over his first seven outings. His performance helped offset the prolonged absences of fellow starters Spencer Strider and Reynaldo López.
Atlanta’s rotation has been tested throughout the season. López is still recovering from shoulder surgery and is not expected to return until at least the All-Star break. Strider, a 2023 All-Star, has been limited to just a few starts in his comeback from Tommy John surgery, with a hamstring injury complicating his return.
Chris Sale, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, struggled early but has since regained form. Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach showed early promise before encountering inconsistency. Despite these challenges, the Braves’ rotation ranked 14th in Major League Baseball with a 3.78 ERA entering Thursday’s doubleheader.
The team has leaned on depth options like Grant Holmes, who has exceeded expectations after a decade in the minor leagues. Holmes has delivered a 3.68 ERA over 10 starts and has become a key contributor. Bryce Elder, who has rebounded from a slow start, could also return to the rotation following Smith-Shawver’s injury.
Atlanta faces increased pressure to stay competitive in the NL East, where the Phillies and Mets have both opened the season strong. The Braves trailed by 9.5 games in the division standings entering the weekend and are facing growing odds in the postseason race.
While the rotation remains stocked with capable arms, including Sale, Strider, Schwellenbach, Holmes, and potentially Elder, the team’s margin for error continues to shrink. The resilience of that group, along with contributions from the bullpen and lineup, may determine whether the Braves can stay in playoff contention down the stretch.