BREAKING: Braves’ Worst Nightmare Comes True: Star Player Goes Down With Devastating Elbow Injury!

Elbow injuries have become increasingly common in Major League Baseball, especially among pitchers. Each season seems to bring more cases of UCL tears, and no team is safe from these setbacks. Two National League contenders — the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers — are the latest to be hit hard, each losing a key pitcher this week.

Braves and Dodgers Suffer Major Blows to Their Pitching Staffs

The Braves lost their fifth starter, AJ Smith-Shawver, on Thursday in a particularly unlucky turn of events. Initially believed to be removed after a comebacker hit his heel, it was later revealed that while trying to finish the inning against Trea Turner, Smith-Shawver began shaking his pitching arm. Spencer Strider noticed something was off and alerted the coaching staff. The young pitcher reported feeling a “pop” — a dreaded phrase for any pitcher. Further evaluation confirmed a UCL tear, landing him on the 60-day injured list. Doctors will determine whether he’ll need Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure, but either way, his 2025 season is over.

Atlanta will now rely on its pitching depth, with Bryce Elder expected to step in. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the Braves have dropped seven of their last nine games. With mounting pressure, manager Brian Snitker may find himself on the hot seat if the team doesn’t bounce back soon.

On the Dodgers’ side, reliever Evan Phillips was ruled out for the season on Friday. He’d been on the IL since May 7 with forearm discomfort and was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Alexis Díaz. Initially, the team hoped that rest and an injection would suffice, but while testing his arm playing catch, it became clear surgery was necessary.

Phillips had only thrown 5 2/3 innings all year, having also dealt with a shoulder injury earlier in the season. He now joins a lengthy list of injured Dodgers relievers that includes Michael Kopech, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen, and Brusdar Graterol. Kopech is nearly done with his rehab assignment, Yates has resumed throwing bullpen sessions, Treinen’s return is uncertain, and Graterol isn’t expected back until late in the season.

The Dodgers’ decision to acquire Díaz — despite his rough start in 2025 — reflects their urgent need for bullpen help. Their relievers have a collective ERA of 4.01, ranking 17th in the league. Despite the injuries, the Dodgers’ front office has done what it can to patch the holes.

These types of setbacks highlight the importance of depth across MLB rosters. While both the Braves and Dodgers are well-equipped to manage adversity thanks to strong organizational planning, these injuries are significant hurdles as they chase postseason success.