Braves RHP AJ Smith-Shawver exits start after feeling ‘pop’ in elbow

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver exited Thursday’s start with a right elbow injury after he “felt it pop,” according to Braves manager Brian Snitker.
In the third inning of an eventual 5-4 road loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of a doubleheader, Smith-Shawver was struck in his right ankle by a comebacker off the bat of Bryson Stott. After throwing a warmup pitch, the righty remained in the game before wincing while allowing a flyout to Trea Turner.
“Anytime you hear those words, when they describe soreness and ‘I felt something pop,’ then that’s usually not real good,” Snitker said. “But we’ve got to look at it first.”
Smith-Shawver was sent back to Atlanta for additional testing. He was 3-2 with a 3.67 ERA heading into Thursday, including a 3-0 record with a 3.27 ERA over his past six starts.
He allowed two runs on three hits over 2 2/3 innings of a no-decision.