![\"MLB:](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/26319663.jpg\")
May 29, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (32) leaves the game during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nAtlanta Braves right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver exited Thursday’s start with a right elbow injury after he “felt it pop,” according to Braves manager Brian Snitker.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n In the third inning of an eventual 5-4 road loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of a doubleheader, Smith-Shawver was struck in his right ankle by a comebacker off the bat of Bryson Stott. After throwing a warmup pitch, the righty remained in the game before wincing while allowing a flyout to Trea Turner.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n “Anytime you hear those words, when they describe soreness and \u2018I felt something pop,’ then that’s usually not real good,” Snitker said. “But we’ve got to look at it first.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Smith-Shawver was sent back to Atlanta for additional testing. He was 3-2 with a 3.67 ERA heading into Thursday, including a 3-0 record with a 3.27 ERA over his past six starts.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n He allowed two runs on three hits over 2 2\/3 innings of a no-decision.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n