AJ Smith-Shawver to make first start for Braves in 14 months

AJ Smith-Shawver will start Game 1 of a doubleheader for the Atlanta Braves against the New York Mets, his first start in 14 months after undergoing an internal brace procedure to repair a torn UCL in June 2025. Smith-Shawver made five rehab starts with Single-A Augusta and Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 1.53 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 17.2 innings, leading to his early promotion to bolster the Braves' injured and inconsistent rotation.