It's likely going to be a long time before Atlanta Braves fans see rookie AJ Smith-Shawver back on an MLB mound. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher suffered a torn UCL during a game against the rival Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, sidelining him for the rest of the season and likely a good chunk of the 2026 campaign.
Smith-Shawver was in the middle of a solid rookie season, so it's disappointing to learn he'll be on the shelf for at least the next year, if not longer. Although a significant injury of this nature is never a good thing, the Braves' latest injury might be a blessing in disguise for another starting arm.
Braves RHP Bryce Elder's Job Was Saved by AJ Smith-Shawver Injury News
When it comes to those who could potentially benefit from Smith-Shawver's absence, look no further than veteran Braves RHP Bryce Elder.
After making his MLB All-Star debut in 2023, Elder's 2024 performance left a bad taste in Braves fans' mouths. The former Texas Longhorn went from a 12-win performance to a putrid 2-5 record across 10 starts, pitching to a 6.52 ERA while also spending time with Triple-A Gwinnett in an attempt to rediscover his groove.
Although he showed glimpses of promise at times early in the 2025 season, it didn't take Elder long to plummet back to earth. The 26-year-old righty went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 44 innings across his first eight starts of the year before being optioned to Gwinnett to make room for a returning Spencer Strider.
Unfortunately, Elder's return to Triple-A hasn't gone well. He's 0-2 with an 8.76 ERA in three starts, and is allowing a putrid 2.2 home runs and 4.4 walks per nine innings.
But just when Elder's season seemed over, the Braves threw him a lifeline. Smith-Shawver's injury has forced Atlanta to recall the 6-foot-2 righty from the minors, and 92.9 The Game's Grant McAuley already confirmed that Elder will be starting against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. Whether or not he capitalizes on his latest opportunity remains to be seen.
A strong performance while Smith-Shawver is sidelined is Elder's best shot at remaining a Brave in the long term. However, if he falters and his old issues pop up again, Atlanta could look to move on from the former 2020 fifth-rounder before July's trade deadline.
Needless to say, all eyes will be on Elder at Truist Park this weekend.