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.

Braves open MLB Draft with Virginia OF AJ Gracia at No. 9 overall

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:30:00 -0400

The Atlanta Braves opened the 2026 MLB Draft on Tuesday night by using their two first-round picks on collegiate outfielders — a draft strategy the team had rarely employed in the 61-year history of the modern selection process.

Atlanta selected University of Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia with the ninth overall pick, then added Indiana State outfielder Carter Beck at No. 26.

Mike Kelly (second overall in 1991) had previously been the only collegiate outfielder selected by the Braves in the first round of the draft, which began in 1965.

Minor-Leagues on WACN 21 News

Smith-Shawver begins rehab assignment as Braves bullpen depth returns

Braves open MLB Draft with Virginia OF AJ Gracia at No. 9 overall