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Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver needs MRI after ‘pop’ in arm
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- Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver needs MRI after ‘pop’ in arm
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The post Braves' AJ Smith-Shawver needs MRI after 'pop' in arm appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Atlanta Braves lost starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver early in Thursday's doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies , and Braves manager Brian Snitker said after losing Game 1 hat Smith-Shawver will return to Atlanta for an MRI on his throwing arm. The pitcher told his manager that he felt a "pop" on a pitch to Trea Turner and began feeling elbow tightness, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
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Smith-Shawver exited after 2 2/3 innings pitched in the 5-4 loss. His exit came one batter after taking a Bryson Stott line drive off his right calf. From the looks of it, Spencer Strider was the person who noticed something was wrong with Smith-Shawver.
"WOW man. We are so lucky to have Spencer Strider. After AJSS got hit by a line drive he stayed in the game. Strider walked over to Kranny and told him he noticed something with AJSS arm, then they went out and pulled him. Strider talked with the coaches then went down to check on," one user wrote.
It would be a tough blow if Smith-Shawver has to miss time, adding to other Braves injury woes to start the season. Atlanta has slightly recovered from a brutal 0-7 start but is now on a three-game losing streak to sit at 25-29 on the year.
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On the bright side, Ronald Acuna Jr. has returned and looks like he hasn't missed a step, but now it has to result in wins for the Braves. Strider also just returned from injury, and he's trying to get back into a groove. After their previous game against the Phillies, manager Brian Snitker spoke about Strider's play .
"It takes a while," said Snitker, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. "They've got to be patient. We've got to be patient. But today was better than the last one. Hopefully, the next one is a little better than this one. He gave us a chance to win."
Atlanta will try to get back in the win column in Game 2 of the doubleheader.
