Atlanta Braves rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver underwent Tommy John surgery on June 9, 2025, effectively ending his season and potentially sidelining him for part or all of the 2026 campaign. The procedure, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, repaired a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in Smith-Shawver’s right elbow.
The injury occurred on May 29 during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. After being struck on the foot by a line-drive comebacker, Smith-Shawver experienced a “pop” in his elbow while delivering a pitch . Despite initial concerns, he remained in the game to face one more batter but appeared visibly uncomfortable and exited after the at-bat. Subsequent imaging confirmed the UCL tear, leading to the decision for Tommy John surgery.
Prior to the injury, the 22-year-old had shown promise in his rookie season. He posted a 3–2 record with a 3.86 ERA over nine starts, striking out 42 batters in 44⅓ innings. Notably, on May 5, he nearly achieved a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, delivering eight shutout innings and allowing only one hit.
Smith-Shawver’s rise through the Braves’ system had been swift. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut in 2023 and had appeared in six games over two seasons before becoming a regular starter in 2025 . His development had been closely monitored, with the organization expressing confidence in his potential to become a key contributor to the pitching staff.
The Braves now face the challenge of filling the void left by Smith-Shawver’s absence. With the team currently struggling with a 26–29 record and trailing the Phillies by 9½ games in the National League East, the loss of a promising young pitcher adds to the pressure on the starting rotation. The organization will need to explore internal options and possibly seek external reinforcements to bolster the pitching staff in the coming months.
Smith-Shawver’s injury serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in professional baseball, particularly for pitchers who rely heavily on their arms. While the Braves organization remains hopeful for his full recovery, the road ahead will require patience and careful rehabilitation to ensure his return to form in the future.
