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AJ Smith-Shawver Diagnosed With Torn UCL, Likely to Need Tommy John Surgery
Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) has been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his right elbow and will likely need Tommy John surgery, according to manager Brian Snitker. Smith-Shawver will undergo further evaluation, but the surgical procedure hasn't been decided upon yet. Right-hander Bryce Elder will make the start for the Braves on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox. This was the expectation after the 22-year-old heard a pop in his elbow and was pulled after 2 2/3 innings in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies. It's a tough break for a Braves team that has had it's fair share of injuries the last couple seasons. Smith-Shawver will miss the rest of 2025 and most likely at least half of the 2026 campaign if he undergoes elbow reconstruction, as expected. He finishes his season with a 3.86 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 42 K's and 21 walks in 44 1/3 innings over nine starts.
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
