Winning tends to quiet many concerns, and because the Atlanta Braves currently own the best record in Major League Baseball, there has been little discussion surrounding injury updates for some of Atlanta’s star pitchers. Rotation arms such as Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrep all suffered injuries during spring training that altered Atlanta’s early-season rotation plans.
Each is progressing at a different pace, but Atlanta recently received an update on another injured pitcher whom many were not expecting to contribute in 2026. That pitcher is former top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver. The 23-year-old Texas native underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2025, and many believed his 2026 season would be dedicated entirely to rehabbing the injury.
Braves reporter Grant McAuley provided an update on Smith-Shawver Friday morning, stating that Smith-Shawver is currently throwing high-intensity bullpen sessions. Considering he is not yet a full calendar year removed from major elbow surgery, the development comes as a surprising — but certainly encouraging — update for Atlanta's pitching staff.
#Braves MGR Walt Weiss said AJ Smith-Shawver is coming along well in his rehab. He is throwing bullpens with high intensity. Next step is throwing to hitters, then they can sketch out a timeline for returning to the rotation. Hurston Waldrep is basically in the exact same step.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) May 22, 2026
Reports indicate AJ Smith-Shawver is progressing quite well, giving the Braves another potential weapon approaching return
It is remarkable to hear that Smith-Shawver is essentially at the same stage of recovery as Hurston Waldrep, but that appears to be the case. Both young right-handers are expected to progress to facing live hitters in the near future, making it entirely possible that the Atlanta Braves could add a pair of hard-throwing arms to the pitching staff before the end of July.
Smith-Shawver truly began to blossom during the early stages of the 2025 season, shedding his prospect label and increasingly looking like a pitcher capable of holding a long-term spot in the rotation. Before his unfortunate injury, Smith-Shawver posted a 3.86 ERA and a 3.90 FIP across nine major league starts in 2025.
Smith-Shawver possesses some of the most electric stuff in the Braves' organization when he is at his best, so if he is able to return this season, Atlanta could be adding a legitimate late-season weapon to its pitching staff. Command has always been the key area to monitor with Smith-Shawver, and coming off major surgery, it will likely be the determining factor in whether he can contribute at the Major League Baseball level this season.
For now, the Braves will continue to take a cautious approach with Smith-Shawver as he works his way back from surgery. Still, the latest update offers plenty of reason for optimism. If Smith-Shawver can continue progressing without setbacks and regain the command that fueled his breakout early in 2025, Atlanta may not only be getting back a talented young arm — it could be adding another impact pitcher to an already dangerous roster ahead of the postseason push.
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