Braves right-hander A.J. Smith-Shawver hurts elbow and manager Brian Snitker says doesn’t look good

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Atlanta rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver left Thursday’s 5–4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader opener with a strained right elbow, appearing to say “pop” toward manager Brian Snitker after a third-inning pitch to Trea Turner.

The 22-year-old right-hander gave up a go-ahead, two-run homer to Rafael Marchán, then took a 96.6 mph line drive off his right ankle on a a ball hit by Bryson Stott with one out.

Smith-Shawver threw a warmup pitch and stayed in the game, then left after wincing while allowing a flyout to Trea Turner on the fourth pitch of the at-bat.

“It doesn’t look good,” Snitker said between games.

Smith-Shawver was placed on the 15-day injured list between games, and Snitker said the pitcher was returning to Atlanta.

Smith-Shawver shook his arm twice after starting Turner with a 95.9 mph fastball that was low — well below the 99.6 mph pitch he threw to Turner for a first-inning groundout on his seventh offering of the game.

After Smith-Shawver made a pickoff attempt, Turner fouled off a 94.7 mph fastball, took an inside splitter and flied out to the left-field warning track on a 94.2 mph fastball.

After the pitcher looked toward the dugout, Snitker and assistant athletic trainer Jeff Steveson went to the mound. Smith-Shawver appeared to say “pop” during his conversation with Snitker. Scott Blewett then relieved.

Smith-Shawver is 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA in nine starts and 44 1/3 innings, striking out 42 and walking 21. He averaged

Right-hander Michael Petersen was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett.

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