Lip-readers saw Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver’s devastating message before leaving game

Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver had been one of the few bright spots in a disappointing Atlanta season thus far as the 22-year-old turned himself into a Rookie of the Year contender. But now, the Braves are bracing for some devastating news about the rookie pitcher.

Smith-Shawver was removed from the game in the third inning one batter after taking a Bryson Stott line drive off the ankle. Initially, Smith-Shawver told the Braves' staff that he was OK to stay in the game. But after Trea Turner flew out to deep left field, that was it for Smith-Shawver.

Yet, it didn't appear that the ankle was the concern at all. While speaking to Braves manager Brian Snitker and the training staff, Smith-Shawver appeared to say he felt a "pop" in his arm.

#Braves AJ Smith-Shawver left the game today with an injury

You can see it appears he says “pop” when discussing what happened on the mound pic.twitter.com/OPecY7n7Np— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) May 29, 2025

The Braves hadn't officially commented on the injury, but Braves beat writer Mark Bowman echoed the concerns about a pop in the pitcher's elbow.

A source says Smith-Shawver felt a pop in his elbow this afternoon. The Braves still haven't given an official update.— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 29, 2025

In that at-bat against Turner, Smith-Shawver's velocity dropped to 94 mph after throwing 98.7 mph a few pitches earlier. He was also seen shaking his hand, which isn't a good sign.

Let's hope the Braves rookie avoided a setback, but the initial reaction wasn't encouraging at all.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Lip-readers saw Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver’s devastating message