Braves AJ Smith-Shawver diagnosed with torn UCL in rotation crusher

The Braves’ starting rotation took a major hit Friday. Atlanta rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver suffered a torn UCL during his start on Thursday and is expected to miss the rest of the season and most of 2026, according to USA Today. MLB.com reported that the team and Smith-Shawver are still deciding if he’ll undergo Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure.Smith-Shawver, 22, reportedly heard his throwing arm pop shortly after getting hit on the foot by Phillies infielder Bryson Stott’s line-drive comebacker. He would stay in the game to face Trea Turner but looked noticeably uncomfortable throughout the at-bat before exiting after retiring him on a fly ball to left field.After the game, Braves manager Brian Snitker admitted, “It doesn’t look good.”“I don’t think it had anything to do with [the line drive],” Snitker told reporters.“I think it’s just a byproduct of his velocity.

It’s been very, very good.I think it was just something that was destined to happen.”The hard-throwing 22-year-old has been solid for the Braves this season, going 3-2 in nine starts with a 3.86 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 44 ⅓ innings.“It stinks,” Braves catcher Sean Murphy said after the game.

“He’s been throwing the ball well.”Smith-Shawver has been one of the top pitching prospects in Atlanta’s system in recent years after being drafted in the seventh round out of  Colleyville Heritage High School (Texas) in 2021.The injury is a major loss for the Braves, who are a disappointing 26-29, 9 ½ games back of the Phillies in the National League East before heading into their weekend series against the Red Sox....