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AJ Smith-Shawver’s long road of recovery from Tommy John surgery is in its final stages, and his next stop is Augusta.
The Atlanta Braves' right-hander will begin his rehab assignment with the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets on Tuesday, June 30, against the Salem Ridgeyaks. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.
The 23-year-old has been out of the Braves rotation since May 29, 2025 when he tore his UCL in a start against the Phillies. He’d then undergo surgery to repair it a few weeks later on June 9.
Through nine starts during the 2025 season, Smith-Shawver had a 3.87 ERA to go along with a 1.42 WHIP. He was beginning to solidify himself as a core part of the Braves rotation before going down with the injury.
Despite the Braves leading atop the NL East and nearing top of the league record-wise, their rotation is towards the middle of the pack. According to Fangraphs, their depth chart for starting pitching ranks 13th in the league. Much of that has to do with injuries to key starters such as Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider.
Smith-Shawver will have 30 days for his rehab assignment. If he’s able to return to form, there’s certainly room to reclaim his spot in the rotation once he makes it back up to the majors. Outside of ace Chris Sale and Martín Pérez, whose 3.00 ERA is the best of his 15-year career, the rest of the spots in the rotation should be up for grabs.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Atlanta Braves rotation piece to make rehab appearance in Augusta
Continue reading...
The Atlanta Braves' right-hander will begin his rehab assignment with the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets on Tuesday, June 30, against the Salem Ridgeyaks. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.
The 23-year-old has been out of the Braves rotation since May 29, 2025 when he tore his UCL in a start against the Phillies. He’d then undergo surgery to repair it a few weeks later on June 9.
Through nine starts during the 2025 season, Smith-Shawver had a 3.87 ERA to go along with a 1.42 WHIP. He was beginning to solidify himself as a core part of the Braves rotation before going down with the injury.
Despite the Braves leading atop the NL East and nearing top of the league record-wise, their rotation is towards the middle of the pack. According to Fangraphs, their depth chart for starting pitching ranks 13th in the league. Much of that has to do with injuries to key starters such as Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider.
Smith-Shawver will have 30 days for his rehab assignment. If he’s able to return to form, there’s certainly room to reclaim his spot in the rotation once he makes it back up to the majors. Outside of ace Chris Sale and Martín Pérez, whose 3.00 ERA is the best of his 15-year career, the rest of the spots in the rotation should be up for grabs.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Atlanta Braves rotation piece to make rehab appearance in Augusta
Continue reading...
