Smith-Shawver’s season is likely over, while Fairchild will miss time with a dislocated pinky.
AJ Smith-Shawver’s season is likely over for the Braves and backup outfielder Stuart Fairchild will miss some time as well after both players suffered injuries during Thursday’s doubleheader in Philadelphia.
With Smith-Shawver and Fairchild on the shelf, the Braves recalled lefty Dylan Dodd and added outfielder Jose Azocar to the roster.
The #Braves today recalled LHP Dylan Dodd to Atlanta and selected OF José Azócar to the major league roster. The club placed OF Stuart Fairchild on the 10-day injured list with a dislocated pinky finger, and optioned RHP Michael Petersen to Triple-A Gwinnett following last…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 30, 2025
The Braves have not confirmed anything regarding the fate of Smith-Shawver’s elbow, but the vibes have been bad since he departed yesterday’s game and felt a ‘pop’ in his throwing elbow.
The talented young righty seems destined for elbow surgery — or, at very least, extensive rehab and recovery that’ll cause him to miss significant time — and we should know more once the team gets to Truist Park on Friday. It is such a shame for AJ, who had figured some things out after a rocky start to the season. He is just 22 years old and has his youth working in his favor on the path to recovery.
As for Dylan Dodd, the lefty will likely be bullpen depth for the weekend against Boston before being sent down early next week to make room for Bryce Elder, but we’ll see what the next 72 hours hold.
Jose Azocar is a 29-year-old journeyman who spent some time in the majors with San Diego and the Mets from 2022-2025 in a backup role. He was DFA’d by New York earlier this week and elected free agency. Similar to Fairchild, Azocar can really fly around the bases and can probably play all three outfield spots in a pinch, although he’s unlikely to hit much.