Atlanta Braves Have Starting Pitching Concern That Needs Addressing

It took a long road for AJ Smith-Shawver to return to the Atlanta Braves’ rotation. 

The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in June of 2025, which sidelined him for over a year until he made his return to the Braves in late July. 

Prior to the injury, Smith-Shawver’s time with the Braves in the major leagues was very efficient despite it being a shorter sample. He made nine starts in 2025, accumulating a 3.86 ERA and giving the Braves length. But ever since his return to the mound this season, Smith-Shawver has been notably struggling.

In five starts since returning from injury on July 29, Smith-Shawver has posted a highly concerning 7.71 ERA in 21 innings pitched. 

Very little has clicked for the 23-year-old on the mound. His command has been very shaky, as he has walked 13 batters while striking out 18. Smith-Shawver’s velocity has also taken a dip since his return. Most notably, he is nearly averaging a run per inning pitched since his return.

It is no secret that Smith-Shawver’s return to the Braves’ rotation has been completely underwhelming. But his outing on Tuesday may be enough to spark debate towards his status going forward for Atlanta.

Smith-Shawver allowed four runs in 3 ⅓ innings of work in his start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, as he struggled with his pitch count in tossing 81 pitches without being able to escape the fourth inning. He also allowed a pair of lengthy homers to Junior Caminero and Liam Hicks.

On Wednesday morning, the Braves made adjustments to their rotation, reinstating Reynaldo López from the injured list to return to the mound on Wednesday and placing Bryce Elder on the injured list. 

Prior to moving Elder to the injured list, Braves manager Walt Weiss made the decision to move Elder to the bullpen down the stretch of the season. He was placed on the injured list before he could make an appearance, but the choice to move him to the bullpen indicated the Braves may have lost some trust in him as a starter.

With the return of Lopez, the Braves’ rotation will continue running a six-man rotation. But with Smith-Shawver’s recent struggles, his time as a starter may be in question as the Braves are looking to lock down the division title.

Atlanta’s rotation to round out the postseason will likely be headlined by Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle, with a mix of Martín Pérez, Grant Holmes and Reynaldo López to follow. It is fair to assume Smith-Shawver’s role could be a long-reliever, and sooner rather than later may be the time to make that adjustment for him.