The Atlanta Braves have elevated outfielder Jose Azocar to their major league roster, shortly after he elected free agency just two days prior following his removal from the Mets roster. This quick promotion coincides with a difficult injury update: right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver has been transferred to the 60-day injured list, extending his absence due to an elbow strain to at least two months.

Roster Adjustments Reflect Depth Challenges Amid Multiple Injuries

Alongside Azocar’s promotion, the Braves have placed outfielder Stuart Fairchild on the 10-day injured list after he suffered a dislocated pinkie finger. In addition, right-hander Michael Petersen was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, while left-handed pitcher Dylan Dodd was recalled to bolster Atlanta’s pitching depth. These moves highlight the team’s efforts to maintain competitiveness despite several key injuries.

Jose Azocar’s Profile and Role on the Braves

Jose Azocar, 29, has appeared in 12 games with the Mets this season, compiling a 5-for-18 performance at the plate with all hits recorded as singles. His major league experience spans four seasons, mainly with the San Diego Padres, where he has posted a career slash line of .245/.290/.320, including two home runs and 19 stolen bases across 417 plate appearances. Azocar’s strengths lie in his defensive capabilities and baserunning speed, traits that mirror those of the injured Stuart Fairchild, whom he essentially replaces on the Braves’ roster.

According to Statcast data, Azocar’s average sprint speed is 28.9 feet per second, a slight edge over Fairchild’s 28.7 feet per second, though this minor difference has limited practical impact. While neither outfielder excels at hitting overall, Fairchild has demonstrated effective splits against left-handed pitching during his MLB tenure. Conversely, Azocar, a right-handed hitter, performs better against right-handed pitchers, indicating a subtle shift in offensive profile with this roster change.

AJ Smith-Shawver’s Injury Raises Concerns for Atlanta’s Pitching Staff

Smith-Shawver’s move to the 60-day injured list follows an initial placement on the 15-day IL due to an elbow strain. He started the first game of the Braves’ doubleheader recently but left after 2 2/3 innings, having allowed two runs before exiting because of discomfort in his elbow. This extended IL stint means Smith-Shawver will miss significant playing time, likely until late July at the earliest. The Braves have yet to provide a detailed prognosis, leaving uncertainty around when, or if, he will return sooner.

This injury is especially troubling given Smith-Shawver’s status as a former top prospect and his promising performance early in the season. Through seven starts, he maintained an impressive 2.33 ERA and struck out nearly one in four opposing batters, despite a concerning 10.6% walk rate. However, his recent outings have been disappointing, including a game against the Washington Nationals where he conceded seven runs in just three innings, and an uneven outing prior to his injury-related exit.

Broader Impact of Injuries on Braves’ Roster and Outlook

Smith-Shawver joins pitchers Reynaldo Lopez and Joe Jimenez on the Braves’ 60-day injured list, compounding the team’s pitching challenges. While ace Spencer Strider, star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., and catcher Sean Murphy have also faced injuries this season, all three are currently active and contributing. The series of setbacks to key pitchers like Smith-Shawver, Lopez, and Jimenez, however, places greater strain on Atlanta’s depth and flexibility as the season progresses.

With the addition of Azocar and the call-up of Dylan Dodd, the Braves aim to stitch together an effective roster amidst the ongoing absence of multiple players. How the team manages these challenges may influence its standing in the National League, making the health and recovery timelines of injured players critical moving forward.