Smith-Shawver Returns Strong | Atlanta Braves News

AJ Smith-Shawver makes a triumphant return to the mound for the Braves after a grueling 426-day recovery from Tommy John surgery, tossing four innings of solid baseball in his first game since the procedure. He allowed just two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four, showcasing elite velocity and a sharp splitter. His first four innings were flawless, and though he faced more pressure in the fifth, his command and power were evident. The Braves wisely used him as their 27th man in a doubleheader, preserving roster flexibility as he rebuilds stamina. With a tough stretch ahead, Smith-Shawver’s strong debut signals hope for a full return to the rotation—and eases pressure on the team’s trade deadline plans. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/27b557ace13f9a64