AJ Smith-Shawver set to return soon

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 29: AJ Smith-Shawver #32 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abdoul Sow/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Not to fear, Braves fans, the starting rotation’s depth is soon to get stronger.

AJ Smith-Shawver will be facing hitters soon, the final step before beginning a rehab assignment. He is throwing high intensity bullpen sessions currently and is not too far behind Hurston Waldrep (who made his first rehab start Monday) according to #Braves MGR Walt Weiss.

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) June 3, 2026

While we are waiting for the return of some more helpful hands like Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, Smith-Shawver is another young dominant arm that is expected to make an impact in Atlanta’s rotation.

After suffering a torn UCL that cut his strong stint (3.86 ERA) short last May, he’s making significant progress in his high-intensity bullpen sessions and looking to take the final step in facing live hitters before he’s assigned to rehab and find his way back in Atlanta’s clubhouse.

Waldrep started his rehab stint this past Monday, so the two are not far behind in each other in terms of progression.

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