The Atlanta Braves, already staggering through a rough patch, were dealt another blow Monday as rookie pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver underwent Tommy John surgery, while veteran closer Craig Kimbrel officially chose free agency after being designated for assignment.
Smith-Shawver’s season is over, and 2026 might start the same way. The 22-year-old underwent the ligament reconstruction procedure on his right elbow, commonly known as Tommy John surgery. The operation was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, and, according to manager Brian Snitker, it went “well.” That’s probably the only piece of good news Braves fans will find in this story.
A Rookie’s Rise Cut Short
Smith-Shawver was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent Atlanta pitching rotation. Just nine starts into the season, he’d carved out a 3-2 record with a 3.86 ERA. Nothing spectacular on paper, but for a rookie finding his footing in the majors, those numbers gave hope. He struck out 42 batters over 44.1 innings — the kind of early efficiency you want to build on.
Then came the pop.
On May 29, during a tight game against the Phillies, he left early and admitted he felt something — that dreaded word in a pitcher’s vocabulary. An MRI confirmed a torn UCL, and the countdown began.
Now, instead of ramping up for a second-half surge, Smith-Shawver faces a long rehab process that will eat up the rest of this season and likely bleed into next year. It’s not just a lost season; it’s a momentum killer.
Snitker tried to stay positive: “He’s got a nice career ahead of him. This is just a little setback.” That may be true. But for a Braves team already on edge, it stings.
Kimbrel’s One-and-Done Return
While Smith-Shawver’s injury comes with long-term consequences, Kimbrel’s exit feels more symbolic.
Once the heartbeat of Atlanta’s bullpen, Kimbrel’s comeback story didn’t last long. After a stretch in the minors this year — 18 games between Gwinnett and Double-A Columbus with a sharp 2.00 ERA — the Braves gave the 37-year-old a shot.
He pitched a clean inning in a 10-inning loss to the Giants. Then the DFA notice came. The Braves tried to stash him in Triple-A again, but Kimbrel chose to walk. Just like that, his second chapter with Atlanta closed almost as quickly as it opened.
What This Means for Atlanta
This all comes at a time when the Braves have looked anything but stable. Injuries, inconsistency, and poor bullpen performances have dragged down a team expected to contend.
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Seven straight losses before a 7-1 win against Milwaukee on Monday.
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Rotation instability: Between injuries and underperformance, Atlanta’s starters haven’t looked sharp.
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Bullpen question marks: Kimbrel was supposed to be a safety net. Now, that net’s gone.
Losing a promising rookie hurts. Losing a franchise icon — even in faded form — carries emotional weight. Put together, it’s a gut punch.
Kimbrel’s Complicated Legacy
Let’s talk about what Craig Kimbrel meant to Atlanta.
From 2011 to 2014, he was arguably the most feared closer in baseball. Fastball blazing, intimidating presence, flawless mechanics. His 186 saves with the Braves remain a franchise record. During that four-year All-Star run, he wasn’t just good — he was historic.
Then came the trade to San Diego. And over the last decade, he became a baseball nomad: Padres, Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, Orioles — and finally, a return home.
In 2024, with Baltimore, his ERA ballooned to 5.33. He still saved 23 games, but the command wasn’t there. Baltimore let him go. Atlanta took a flyer.
Now, at 37, he’s on the market again. Whether another team gives him a shot is unclear. But for the Braves, that page is turned.
Pitching Depth: Where Do Braves Go From Here?
There’s no sugarcoating it: Atlanta needs arms. And fast.
Smith-Shawver is gone. Max Fried has been on and off with issues. The bullpen’s been overworked and underperforming. The options aren’t exactly comforting.
Here’s a snapshot of Atlanta’s pitching situation post-Smith-Shawver and Kimbrel:
| Pitcher | Role | 2025 ERA | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Fried | Starter | 3.20 | Healthy, for now |
| Charlie Morton | Starter | 4.12 | Aging |
| Bryce Elder | Starter | 4.95 | Struggling |
| Raisel Iglesias | Closer | 3.05 | Reliable |
| Dylan Dodd | Minor Leaguer | 3.89 (AAA) | Next up? |
They might dip into the farm system again, or scan the waiver wire. But after missing out on the big-name free agents over the winter, Atlanta doesn’t have many quick-fix solutions.
Snitker Stays Steady, Fans Get Restless
To his credit, Brian Snitker isn’t panicking.
He’s been here long enough to know that seasons ebb and flow. But Braves fans — many of whom still remember the high of 2021’s World Series — are less patient.
Social media is filled with calls for front-office action. Some want Alex Anthopoulos to make a splash. Others are calling for internal promotions or bold trades.
One thing’s clear: the current setup isn’t cutting it. If the Braves want to claw back into contention, the time to act is now.
