Atlanta Braves’ Walt Weiss Shares AJ Smith-Shawver Injury Update

The Atlanta Braves  will eventually have to make some difficult decisions involving their starting rotation. The group has been one of the strongest in baseball, with nearly every arm contributing at a high level, including depth pieces who were not expected to play major roles. What makes it even more impressive is that the Braves have done it without three of their most talented young pitchers.

Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach both underwent right elbow surgery during spring training, leaving Atlanta without two arms who were expected to factor into the rotation at some point this season. Now both are making progress toward returning, which could give the Braves even more firepower as they continue to hold the best record in baseball at 36-17. Another injured right-hander is also trending in the right direction in the form of right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver.

“#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,” wrote Braves reporter Grant McAuley on X. #Braves MGR Walt Weiss said AJ Smith-Shawver is coming along well in his rehab. He is throwing bullpens with high intensity.