Elder is back in the rotation as expected
The Atlanta Braves received more tough news on the injury front, as it was revealed that AJ Smith-Shawver has been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his throwing elbow. The exact procedure has not been decided, with them weighing options between Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure. Either way, Smith-Shawver’s promising season has been derailed, and the Braves will be without him for the season.
In the meantime, Bryce Elder will be back in the rotation as expected. Elder is set to start Sunday’s game, with Spencer Strider and the rest of the Braves rotation getting an extra day of rest to stay fresh. Elder, who has spent nearly two weeks in Triple-A Gwinnett, now steps back into the fold as the Braves try to stabilize their pitching staff amidst the Smith-Shawver injury.
Elder’s 2025 season has seen a mix of performances. In his eight appearances, he has compiled a 2–2 record with a 4.50 ERA over 44 innings, striking out 33 batters and posting a 1.25 WHIP . Notably, in his most recent outing on May 14 against the Washington Nationals, Elder delivered a strong performance, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on five hits while striking out three.
I am sure the Braves are hoping that an extra day off for the rotation will help them stay sharp as they navigate the next stretch of games, but losing Smith-Shawver is yet another blow to a team that has already endured its share of adversity this season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the doctors determine the next steps for Smith-Shawver’s recovery.
