AJ Smith-Shawver struggles once again as Braves fall to Rays

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ATLANTA - AJ Smith-Shawver has struggled since returning from Tommy John surgery in late July, and his struggles continued Tuesday as the Atlanta Braves fell 7-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays.

The right-hander lasted 3 1/3 innings, throwing 81 pitches — 51 for strikes — while allowing four runs on five hits and two walks. Junior Caminero and Liam Hicks each hit a home run off Smith-Shawver, putting Atlanta in an early hole.

Since rejoining the Braves’ rotation Aug. 19, Smith-Shawver has posted an 8.64 ERA over four starts. He has allowed 16 earned runs on 21 hits and 11 walks during that span.

Atlanta was unable to generate much offense against Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta, who allowed one run on five hits and one walk over six innings.

The Braves maintained their four-game division lead after the Philadelphia Phillies lost to the Houston Astros. Atlanta will continue its series against Tampa Bay on Thursday afternoon before hosting the Phillies for a three-game series at Truist Park beginning Friday, completing the season series.

Reynaldo López is scheduled to be activated from the injured list Wednesday and will face Rays right-hander Griffin Jax, who has a 3.82 ERA this season.

UPDATES

9th inning: Richie Palacios homered in the ninth, and the Braves fall to the Rays. With the Phillies losing to the Astros on Tuesday, Atlanta keeps its four-game lead in the National League East.

FINAL: Rays 7, Braves 1

8th inning: First baseman Yandy Diaz extends Tampa Bay’s lead with a solo shot off right-hander Elieser Hernandez.

SCORE: Rays 6, Braves 1

6th inning: Braves reliever Brent Suter had Jorge Mateo picked off at first base, but his throw sailed over first baseman Matt Olson’s head and down the right-field line. Mateo advanced to third and later scored on Yandy Díaz’s groundout.

SCORE: Rays 5, Braves 1

5th inning: Former New York Met Freddy Peralta has completely shut down the Braves following a rough opening frame. He’s allowed just one baserunner since the first inning.

SCORE: Rays 4, Braves 1

4th inning: Smith-Shawver’s night is done after 3 1/3 innings. He was pulled after allowing a double to Yandy Diaz. His season ERA is 7.71.

SCORE: Rays 4, Braves 1

3rd inning: The Rays were able to tack on three runs in the third inning, highlighted by Liam Hicks’ two-run shot to give them the lead. Smith-Shawver, through 76 pitches, has allowed three runs via four hits and two walks. His season ERA is 7.84.

SCORE: Rays 4, Braves 1

2nd inning: Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver had two men on with an out, and was able to get out of the jam by striking out former Brave Jorge Mateo and getting Yandy Diaz to pop out.

SCORE: Braves 1, Rays 1

1st inning: Rays third baseman Junior Caminero hit a ball very, very far into the left field bleachers to give the Rays a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. The ball went 455 feet, Caminero’s 39th homer of the season.

In the bottom half, the Braves had two men on after singles from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson, and on the first pitch he saw from Freddy Peralta, Drake Baldwin singled and drove in Acuna to tie the game.

SCORE: Braves 1, Rays 1

PREGAME: Manager Walt Weiss told reporters that right-hander Bryce Elder will miss three to four weeks after undergoing right knee surgery on Tuesday. There’s a chance he could return for the postseason, but even if he does, he will likely be limited to a relief role.

How to watch Braves on Gray

The Braves and Gray Media will simulcast 25 games for free, over-the-air to fans across Braves Country through local television stations, reaching 26 markets throughout the Southeast.

Tuesday’s game is the final regular-season home game broadcast on Gray Media in 2026. Next Tuesday’s game in Chicago against the Cubs will be the final Braves on Gray game of the season.

For broadcast times, channel information and additional details, fans are encouraged to click here and check local Gray Media station listings in their markets.