AJ Smith-Shawver exited the game in the third inning after sustaining a significant leg injury, raising concerns about his condition. The injury occurred when he took a hard hit—a comebacker—directly to his lower leg, affecting his calf and the area behind his right ankle. This unexpected setback adds to the challenges faced by the Braves during the game.

Details on Smith-Shawver’s Performance and Injury

During his brief pitching stint, Smith-Shawver allowed two earned runs, one walk, and one home run while recording one strikeout. Following the comebacker, he appeared to be feeling discomfort around his elbow, which could suggest more than just a bruise. Though the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, possibilities include a UCL issue, but no official diagnosis has been made. Scott Blewett took over pitching duties after Smith-Shawver left the mound, and Dylan Dodd was made available from Gwinnett as a precaution in case the game shifted unfavorably for the Braves.

Additional Braves Injury Hits Stuart Fairchild

In an unfortunate turn, Stuart Fairchild, who had started in right field, was removed due to a finger injury. Reports indicate Fairchild suffered a dislocated or broken little finger on his right hand. Following this, Ronald Acuña Jr. took over Fairchild’s position in right field. This injury adds to the Braves’ growing concerns about player health during the contest.

Implications for the Braves Moving Forward

The injury to AJ Smith-Shawver represents a troubling development for the Braves, especially as his status remains uncertain. Combined with Fairchild’s finger injury, the team now faces greater strain on its roster and pitching depth. How the Braves manage these setbacks could significantly impact their competitive standing as the game and season progress.