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AJ Smith-Shawver Likely to Have Tommy John Surgery This Week
Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) will visit with orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday after suffering a torn UCL in his right elbow. Smith-Shawver is likely to have Tommy John surgery this week, according to The Athletic's David O'Brien. We already knew the 22-year-old would be done for the rest of the 2025 season, but it's good news he'll be getting the surgery out of the way as soon as possible. It's unclear if he'll also have an internal-brace procedure, but either way, he might not be ready for his 2026 debut until the second half of that campaign. The former seventh-rounder can obviously be dumped in season-long fantasy leagues after going 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in nine starts before his injury. For now, right-hander Bryce Elder is the one taking over Smith-Shawver's starting-rotation spot in Atlanta.
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien
