AJ Smith-Shawver came into Thursday's game looking to bounce back following his worst start of the season last week. Instead, the 22-year-old rookie was forced to leave the game after getting drilled in the foot on a comebacker to the mound.
Smith-Shawver attempted to stay in the game, but after just one batter, the training staff and Brian Snitker decided that the injury was too severe to stay in the game.
Smith-Shawver exits one batter after his right calf was struck by Stott's liner pic.twitter.com/lWzZchWvaO
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 29, 2025
Unbelievably, less than an inning later, Stuart Fairchild looked to suffer a broken pinky or at least a dislocated one after a stolen base attempt went awry.
AJ Smith-Shawver and Stuart Fairchild's injuries just adds to the Braves unfortunate 2025 season
Since returning from the minor leagues on May 5, AJ Smith-Shawver had pitched exceptionally well in four of his five starts, even entering rookie of the year conversations. Until last week, when he allowed seven runs to the Nationals, the rookie hadn't allowed more than three runs all season.
Still, Smith-Shawver was hoping to prove that his first seven starts of the season weren't a fluke. For two innings, it looked like we were on track to see another masterpiece from the 22-year-old.
Instead, after a walk and a homer, Smith-Shawver was drilled on a comebacker from Phillies infielder Bryson Stott. The righty initially stayed in the game, but after four more pitches to Trea Turner, he was clearly in too much pain to continue throwing. It is notable, however, that Smith-Shawver was shaking his hand and elbow after his final pitch.
Not only is this injury unfortunate from the game's perspective, with the Braves having to go to the bullpen in the third inning of the first game of a doubleheader, but also with Smith-Shawver's development.
With Spencer Strider returning last week, it looked like the team was finally getting their starting rotation back into form. If Smith-Shawver is out for a significant amount of time, then Bryce Elder will likely rejoin the rotation.
In the top of the fourth inning, Stuart Fairchild singled, then tried to steal second. He was out, but looked to have dislocated or broken his pinky. Fairchild, who hasn't played much since joining Atlanta in April was starting to give Ronald Acuña Jr. some more rest, as the Braves are still looking to be careful with their start outfielder after he returned from his ACL injury.
Hopefully the Braves can get out of this series without anymore casualties, but at this pace, it might be difficult.