AJ Smith-Shawver suffers torn UCL, out rest of season

Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver suffered a torn UCL in his right arm on Thursday, manager Brian Snitker confirmed Friday. It’s a season-ending injury.

Smith-Shawver, 22, is consulting with team doctors to decide the next step in his process. He could undergo Tommy John surgery, but the internal brace procedure — the same one Spencer Strider underwent last season — would be an option if he suffered a partial tear (Snitker didn’t know the extent of the damage). He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list.

This is a disappointing end to a promising season for Smith-Shawver, who had a 3.86 ERA over nine starts. He earned extended major-league opportunities for the first time in his young career. And while he’d stumbled in his past two outings, surrendering nine earned runs in 5⅔ innings, he had a 2.33 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 17 walks over his first seven starts.

“He’ll come back and be better than ever,” Snitker said.

Bryce Elder, who despite pitching well had been optioned to Triple-A when Strider recently returned, will be recalled and start Sunday against Boston. He will take the open rotation spot for at least the immediate future.

In a corresponding move, the Braves recalled left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd to add length to their bullpen. He’ll remain with the club through the weekend. The rest of the rotation will get extra rest with Elder starting Sunday and an off-day Monday.

Smith-Shawver went 3-2 this season with 42 strikeouts in 44⅓ innings. He could perhaps return sooner next season if he undergoes the internal brace procedure rather than Tommy John surgery, but that’s to be determined.

The injury means Smith-Shawver won’t be available to start the 2026 season, which will be a situation cited this winter as the Braves assess their future roster. They do have Strider, Elder, Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes under contractual control next season. They also have an $18 million option on reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale that, barring injury, would seem almost certain to be picked up.