The Atlanta Braves have not been the luckiest team when it comes to injuries over the last two seasons. It has continued into the 2025 season, and the injury bug reared its head again on Tuesday evening against the Rockies.
AJ Smith-Shawver returned to the big league roster to face Colorado, and his only blemish was allowing two runs through 5.1 innings with one walk and five strikeouts. It was a wonderful return for the young hurler. He threw 59 pitches, and 46 of them were for strikes.
Unfortunately, the start was cut short as he exited the game after being hit by a 105 mph line drive. The batted ball hit him on his pitching arm near his elbow, and the Braves took him out immediately. Smith-Shawver didn't appear to be in any noticeable pain, but it was the right decision to take him out of the game.
AJ Smith-Shawver forced out of start where he was dominating after getting hit by a line drive
OF COURSE THAT HAPPENS 😠105 MPH line drive off the elbow of AJ Smith-Shawver to end his night
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) April 30, 2025
The bad luck with injuries has most fans feeling pessimistic about the outcome of that potential injury. Hopefully, the Braves are able to get ahead of this, and he doesn't miss any significant time. Atlanta has had a hard time filling the end of their rotation this year.
Spencer Strider and Reynaldo Lopez are out indefinitely with injuries. Not getting a starter this offseason has really come back to bite the Braves. However, you have to roll with the punches during every MLB season and adapt to adversity.
It would be a shame for AJSS to come back and pitch this well only to land on the injured list. That would be a devastating blow for a talented pitcher trying to get big league experience. We will update you on his status as soon as the Braves release information.
More Braves News from House That Hank Built
manual