Atlanta Braves news and notes from Friday.
The Atlanta Braves caught another terrible break on Friday, as starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver was diagnosed with a torn UCL. It has not been revealed if he will require Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure. He will, however, miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign and the majority of 2026.
#Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver has a torn UCL in his pitching elbow, as feared, and will consult with the physician to determine which surgical procedure he’ll have.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 30, 2025
Smith-Shawver exited his Thursday start after feeling a “pop” in the third inning, and this news was essentially the worst case scenario for Atlanta.
Skipper Brian Snitker announced that Bryce Elder will come up to take Smith-Shawver’s rotation spot.
More Braves News:
Friday marked another frustrating game for the Braves, who dropped the series opener to the Boston Red Sox, 5-1.
Not only was AJ Smith-Shawver placed on the injured list, but the Braves also placed outfielder Stuart Fairchild on the 10-day injured list due to a dislocated finger.
Nathan Wiles put together a scoreless six-inning outing for the Gwinnett Stripers. More in the minor league recap.
MLB News:
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips will undergo Tommy John surgery. He will miss the remainder of 2025 and a portion of 2026 as well.
The Detroit Tigers placed right-hander Jackson Jobe on the 15-day injured list due to a grade one flexor strain.
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander landed on the 10-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation. In a corresponding move, the club recalled Alan Roden.
The Baltimore Orioles placed center fielder Cedric Mullins on the 10-day injured list due to a mild hamstring strain. The move is retroactive to May 29.