Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver suffers oblique strain and is on injured reserve

This is of course a blow to Smith-Shawver, who pitched well and looked more experienced than a year ago. But it’s tough news for the Braves, whose pitching depth has taken a hit.

“I hate it. I hate it,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Friday’s loss to the Pirates. “I’m, I guess, a little amazed that he even presented what he done, as effectively as he did (Thursday) I just hate the setback for him, when everything was going so well and he’s making progress and learning and maturing as a pitcher, and now I have to. – I don’t know how long it’s going to last, you never know, like we see with hitters and everyone else. It takes a lot of time to have to check all the boxes, and I hate it. for him, I hate it for us, with this young man, his promise and his advantages.

On Thursday, Smith-Shawver pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings at Wrigley Field in what could be considered a successful start to the big league season for 2024.

The Braves placed him on the 15-day injured list on Friday.