AJ Smith-Shawver Faces 15-Day IL Stint Due to Elbow Strain: What This Means for His Season

The Atlanta Braves faced a setback during their recent doubleheader against the Phillies. Right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow strain. In his absence, the Braves recalled righty Michael Petersen to fill the gap on the roster.

During the first game, Smith-Shawver left after just three innings. Initially, fans worried it was a foot injury from a comeback hit. Unfortunately, it appears the situation is more serious. According to Mark Bowman from MLB.com, Smith-Shawver felt a pop in his elbow and is heading back to Atlanta for tests. Manager Brian Snitker indicated that “it doesn’t look good.”

Injuries to pitchers often bring concerns about surgery. While we hope for the best-case outcome, even a shorter absence could impact the Braves significantly. Before this injury, Smith-Shawver was showing promise. He had only 29 2/3 innings of major league experience before the season began but had added another 41 2/3 innings over eight starts. He was finding his rhythm with a 3.67 earned run average and a 22.7% strikeout rate.

With Smith-Shawver out, the Braves need to adjust their rotation. Reynaldo López is also sidelined, recovering from shoulder surgery. The current rotation includes Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Grant Holmes.

Rumors suggest that Bryce Elder might step in for Smith-Shawver. He has an ERA of 4.50 from eight starts this season. The Braves also have the option to delay this decision, as they can rely on Sale for their next game.

If Elder secures a spot in the rotation, the Braves will likely turn to their Triple-A options, including Hurston Waldrep, Nathan Wiles, and Davis Daniel. Each of these players is already on the 40-man roster and ready to contribute if needed.

Pitching injuries are a common concern in baseball. According to a recent study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, elbow injuries account for approximately 50% of all pitcher injuries in the league. This highlights how crucial it is for teams to have strong depth in their pitching staff.

The Braves’ current situation reflects the club’s resilience. They will need to adapt quickly and manage their roster effectively in the coming weeks.

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aj smith-shawver,michael petersen