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Braves Pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

6/10/2025

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Summary

AJ Smith-Shawver's Surgery

Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver faces a challenging road ahead after undergoing Tommy John surgery on June 9, 2025, due to a torn UCL in his right elbow. The surgery, conducted by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, will keep him off the field for the remainder of the 2025 season and likely much of 2026, cutting short a promising year where he posted a 3.86 ERA in nine starts.

Summary

Ohtani's Recovery Journey

Shohei Ohtani, the star designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is on the mend after his second Tommy John surgery. While questions linger about his pitching career, he’s shining at the plate with a .294 batting average and 23 home runs in 2025. The Dodgers are committed to his long-term health, eyeing a careful return to pitching post-All-Star break.

History

Historical Context

AJ Smith-Shawver's Tommy John surgery echoes a trend in baseball. Since the procedure's inception in 1974, many pitchers, including John Smoltz and José Fernández, have faced similar fates. This surgery has transformed careers, with players often returning stronger, reshaping how teams manage pitching injuries.

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AJ Smith-Shawver's Surgery

Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver faces a challenging road ahead after undergoing Tommy John surgery on June 9, 2025, due to a torn UCL in his right elbow. The surgery, conducted by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, will keep him off the field for the remainder of the 2025 season and likely much of 2026, cutting short a promising year where he posted a 3.86 ERA in nine starts.

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