Elbow injuries are increasingly frequent in Major League Baseball. It seems like each season brings news of more pitchers suffering from UCL tears.
No team is safe from this issue, and currently, two National League contenders are facing it. The Atlanta Braves lost their No. 5 starter, AJ Smith-Shawver, on Thursday, while the Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed that Evan Phillips is out for the season as of Friday.
Braves and Dodgers tragically lose two important arms to elbow injuries
Smith-Shawver’s injury is especially unfortunate since he was just beginning to gain confidence. At first, it was believed he left the game because he was hit in the heel by a line drive. However, he tried to finish the inning pitching to Trea Turner but started shaking his pitching arm. Spencer Strider noticed, and the coaches checked on him, where Smith-Shawver said he “felt a pop.”
That’s never something a pitcher wants to hear. It was later confirmed that he tore his UCL and was placed on the 60-day injured list. He’ll consult with doctors to decide whether Tommy John surgery or an internal brace procedure is needed. Either way, he will miss the rest of the 2025 season.
Atlanta will rely on their pitching depth to fill the gap, with Bryce Elder likely getting the first opportunity. This loss comes at a bad time for the Braves, who have struggled lately, losing seven of their last nine games. Manager Brian Snitker could face pressure if the team doesn’t improve soon.
Regarding Phillips, the reliever has been on the injured list since May 7th due to what was initially thought to be right forearm discomfort. The Dodgers moved him to the 60-day injured list on Thursday to make room for Alexis Diaz on the roster.
The Dodgers initially hoped that rest and an injection would help Phillips recover, but while throwing catch, it became clear surgery was necessary.
Phillips has pitched only 5 2/3 innings this season after starting on the injured list with a shoulder issue. He’s now part of a long list of injured key Dodgers relievers. The NL West leaders are currently without Michael Kopech, Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen, and Brusdar Graterol, among others.
Kopech is close to finishing rehab, Yates has recently thrown his first bullpen session since injury, Treinen’s recovery timeline is uncertain, and Graterol is not expected back until late in the second half. This explains why the Dodgers traded for Diaz despite his rough start to 2025.
The Dodgers’ bullpen needs these pitchers back, as their reliever ERA sits at 4.01, ranking 17th in MLB. Despite the numerous injuries, they are doing their best, but the bullpen remains one of their few weak spots this season.
This situation highlights the importance of depth for MLB teams every year. Both the Braves and Dodgers are known for strong front offices that build considerable depth. While these injuries are setbacks, they shouldn’t completely derail either team’s season—though they certainly complicate things.
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