NORTH AUGUSTA, SC. (WRDW/WAGT) - For the second time in a week, AJ Smith-Shawver was on the mound, working his way back to the major leagues. On May 29, 2025, Smith-Shawver was hit in the ankle by a ground ball during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. While that was believed to be the initial injury, Smith-Shawver later noticed discomfort in his right elbow and left the game. A week later, he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing arm.