The Rookie of the Year contender was wincing and shaking his arm on the mound. Strider appeared to notice before the Braves coaching staff.

Smith-Shawver was removed from the game one batter after taking a Bryson Stott line drive to the ankle. But after a few pitches to Trea Turner the following at-bat, Smith-Shawver started to wince and shake his hand as if something was wrong with his arm.

The Atlanta Braves continue to deal with issues to important parts of their starting rotation, though the depth has kept them afloat to this point. The latest casualty is AJ Smith-Shawver, who left his Thursday afternoon start early due to what manager Brian Snitker described as a "pop" in his elbow.