May 15, 2008 It turns out that John Smoltz did a little more than first thought on Thursday as he ended up throwing 25 pitches off the mound instead of just working on long toss, according to MLB.com. "I wanted to see if I could get that [downward movement]," Smoltz said "It went well."
Our View:Smoltz will throw his first bullpen session on Saturday when he will throw all his pitches, but today's results are very encouraging news for the potential HOFamer. If all goes according to plan, Smoltz hopes to start a minor league rehab assignment on next Tuesday or Wednesday.
May 14, 2008 After playing catch from a distance of 90 feet at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night, John Smoltz didn't feel any discomfort in his shoulder following the workout. The Braves right-hander threw on flat ground from a distance of 120 feet on Wednesday and if all goes well, he'll get a true test on Saturday, when he throws off the mound for the first time since going on the disabled list, according to MLB.com.
Our View:Smoltz went on the disabled list on April 26 because both his right rotator cuff and right biceps tendon were inflamed. This prolonged shoulder discomfort, which he battled in each of his five starts, prompted him to decide he'll be best utilized as a reliever for the remainder of the season.
May 12, 2008 John Smoltz had another good day on Monday as he was able to throw, pain free, for the second straight day, according to MLB.com. On Monday he made 45 throws from 60, and after resting on Tuesday he plans to throw agains on Wednesday.
Our View:Smoltz still hasn't thrown off the mound, but this is very encouraging news. Smoltz appears to be in line to return to the Braves bullpen by the end of the month. Stay tuned for when it will be safe to drop Manny Acosta.
May 11, 2008 John Smoltz played catch on Sunday, which was his first time throwing a baseball for two weeks. He is out due to a strained right shoulder. Smoltz made 25 throws from about 40 feet. "I know how it felt when it came out of my [hand], and it felt like I could pitch tomorrow," he tells MLB.com. The veteran is also realistic, adding, "I think (my return will be) some time in May. that's what I had in my mind when I went on the disabled list and I still want that to happen." Smoltz plans on making at least two rehab appearances before jumping back to the majors.
Our View:It's a step in the right direction, but it'll be tough to gauge Smoltz's timetable until he is throwing off a mound and ready for rehab. We have to see his shoulder react well. He is still planning on coming back as a reliever.
May 9, 2008 John Smoltz has said that the pain in his shoulder has mostly subsided following 10 days of rest, and after a couple days more he will be able to pick up a baseball again by Sunday in Pittsburgh, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He will start by playing catch and work his way up to a rehab assignment. He is targeting a return to the Braves by the end of May. He mentioned May 20 against the Mets, but admitted that may be pushing it.
Our View:He will work out of the Braves' bullpen upon his return, which is still ailing and could really use his services.
