JUST-IN: Braves Hit With Major Injury Blow – Rising Star AJ Smith-Shawver Sidelined, Roster Shakeup Follows

The Atlanta Braves have placed right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver on the 15-day injured list due to a strained elbow sustained during Thursday’s doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies. This move adds to the Braves’ ongoing struggle with pitching injuries this season. To fill the vacancy on the roster, the team has called up right-hander Michael Petersen from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Smith-Shawver’s injury occurred in the first game of the doubleheader. After taking a 96.6 mph line drive off his leg from Bryson Stott, he stayed in the game but later showed signs of discomfort in his throwing arm. He grimaced following a pitch to Trea Turner and motioned toward the dugout, prompting manager Brian Snitker and trainer Jeff Steveson to visit the mound. After a brief conversation, Smith-Shawver was removed and taken to the clubhouse. The Braves later confirmed both the injury and the roster change on their official X (formerly Twitter) account:
“The #Braves today placed RHP AJ Smith-Shawver on the 15-day injured list with a strained right elbow and recalled RHP Michael Petersen to Atlanta.”

In response to the injury, Petersen has been brought up from the minors to bolster the bullpen for Game 2 of the doubleheader. Since joining the organization in early April, the 31-year-old has quietly impressed with a 2.45 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 14.2 innings at Triple-A. If he continues to perform well, there’s potential for him to remain with the major league team longer-term, particularly as Atlanta faces ongoing instability in its pitching staff.

The loss of Smith-Shawver is a major blow to a Braves rotation already hampered by injuries, including the limited availability of ace Spencer Strider. Smith-Shawver, just 22, had shown promise this season, going 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA over nine starts. He struck out 42 batters across 44 1/3 innings, though command has been a challenge, with 21 walks and 19 earned runs allowed.

If further medical evaluation reveals a more serious issue, such as a torn ligament, Smith-Shawver may require Tommy John surgery — a procedure that could keep him sidelined into the 2026 season.