Smith-Shawver begins rehab assignment as Braves bullpen depth returns

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, the Atlanta Braves’ former top pitching prospect, began a rehabilitation assignment at Single-A Augusta on Wednesday as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Smith-Shawver, 23, was a seventh-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2023 at age 20. He struggled with injuries early in his career, missing two months in 2024 with an oblique strain, and underwent Tommy John surgery last May.

Aj-Smith-Shawver on WACN 21 News

Smith-Shawver begins rehab assignment as Braves bullpen depth returns