The Atlanta Braves face a challenging situation as starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver has undergone Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. This procedure, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, will keep Smith-Shawver sidelined for the rest of the 2025 season and likely much of 2026. The 22-year-old right-hander had been a stabilizing presence in the Braves’ rotation, making nine starts prior to his injury.
However, there is a silver lining for the Braves, as infielder Nacho Alvarez, Jr. is set to start his rehabilitation assignment with the Florida Complex League (FCL) Braves. Alvarez, Jr. has been recovering from a wrist injury that caused him to leave a Spring Training game early, and updates on his condition have been sparse. His return is crucial for the Braves, given their current lack of infield depth. Alvarez, Jr., who made his MLB debut last season with eight appearances, represents one of the organization’s top position player prospects at the upper minor league level and could provide the team with a valuable asset as they navigate the ongoing season.
The Braves are known for their resilience and ability to regroup in the face of adversity, and the potential return of Alvarez, Jr. offers hope for the team’s continued competitiveness as they look to fill the void left by Smith-Shawver’s injury.