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| Height: 6-3
Weight: 220
Throws: R
Bats: R Born: May 15, 1967, Warren, MI Contract: Signed through 2008 with options for 2009 and 2010 |
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| Profile | Player News | Articles | Split Stats | Game Log | Player Comparison |
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Player Notes |
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June 24, 2008 MLB.com lets us know that John Smoltz has had a lot of time to think since being shut down for the season. "There's really nothing left for me to do," Smoltz said. "There's nothing I want to do but get back to the playoffs...I'd rather have another Tommy John [surgery] than to have one of these surgeries again," said Smoltz, who had four elbow surgeries before having his shoulder cut for the first time two weeks ago. Our View:Smoltz does not sound too optimistic at this point so nobody else should be either. |
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June 13, 2008 Following shoulder surgery, John Smoltz stated that he wants to pitch again, according to the AP. Smoltz said he hopes to know more about his chances when he is first able to throw again in four or five months. Our View:The doctors found significant damage in his right shoulder during the surgery earlier this week, and he will be 42-years old before he has a shot of coming back. |
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June 11, 2008 John Smoltz's shoulder was more seriously injured than initially thought. When he was cut open yesterday, there was significant damage to his labrum, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Coming out of this surgery, I think there are a lot of unknowns," GM Frank Wren said. "The one thing we do know is how much of a competitor John is, and he's going to do everything in his power to come back. But based on the surgery, we just don't know." Our View:Smoltz will be 42 before he has any sort of chance of coming back from this injury, which may be too much to ask. He doesn't want to call it a career just yet, but it could turn out that he has no choice. |
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June 10, 2008 John Smoltz underwent right shoulder surgery on Tuesday, and his future remains uncertain. "The prognosis on John’s shoulder is unclear based on the findings of today’s surgery," general manager Frank Wren informs the AP. "We will know more as John starts to progress through his rehab." Smoltz needed surgery to repair an injured labrum. He will miss the rest of 2008 but previously said he hopes to pitch in 2009. "They repaired a lot of damage," manager Bobby Cox notes. Our View:This news actually doesn't have a lot of bearing in fantasy leagues. Smoltz is out for 2008, and at 41 years old, his keeper league value wasn't even that high when he was healthy. |
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June 10, 2008 John Smoltz is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery today by Dr. James Andrews in Alabama, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Andrews will perform the surgery using an arthroscope to diagnose the damage to the right shoulder of the Braves pitcher. He will then decide what surgical procedure will be done and attempt the repair the problem. Our View:There is a chance that Smoltz's career could be over, but the actual success of the surgery won't likely be known for five or six months. |
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June 4, 2008 John Smoltz has officially been placed on the DL as he will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, according to MLB.com. At his news conference, Smoltz stated, "I can't compete against my body anymore. I said I would retire if the desire was gone. I'm not there yet. I'm not there emotionally. Physically, that's still to be determined." GM Frank Wren added, "It's a sad day in a lot of ways. We don't know if the surgery will allow him to pitch, or whether it will allow him to go on with his life." Our View:Smoltz will visit Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Tuesday, who will likely perform his surgery. |
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June 4, 2008 John Smoltz will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder, according to the AP. Our View:Smoltz and general manager Frank Wren declined comment until today's briefing, but the pitcher said on his radio show that he will miss the rest of the season. He does hope to return in 2009, however. |
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June 4, 2008 Catcher Brian McCann told Atlanta radio station 790 The Zone that John Smoltz is set for season-ending surgery, according to the AP. Our View:As previously reported, Smoltz has scheduled a Wednesday morning news conference for 11:30 a.m. ET at Turner Field. Smoltz could be done for the season and potentially his career, but we will know for sure following the news conference. |
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June 4, 2008 John Smoltz may need shoulder surgery, according to MLB.com. The Braves have scheduled an 11:30 a.m. ET press conference at Turner Field, and they are expected to discuss Smoltz's future. There has been talk that he will need to undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. Our View:He woke up on Tuesday with increased pain in his ailing shoulder, and realized that he may not be able to pitch any more this year. Smoltz also has previously said that he'll be content if he never throws another pitch. We will keep you posted on his status. |
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June 3, 2008 Atlanta RHP John Smoltz reports he is feeling "pretty sore" today, one day after returning from the DL to make relief appearance in the Braves 7-5 win over Florida, according to MLB.com. Our View:The veteran right-hander, who on Monday began his second stint in the Braves' bullpen, allowed two runs on three hits and blew the save against the Marlins. It was the first time he had faced Major League hitters since April 27. The team reports his status moving forward will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, but they are highly unlikely to pitch Smoltz on back-to-back days. |
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June 3, 2008 John Smoltz blew his first save chance in his return to the bullpen on Monday, and Manager Bobby Cox stated that the closer's role with be split for the immediate future between Smoltz, Manny Acosta, and Rafael Soriano, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Our View:Smoltz could be the primary closer, but needs to prove he can still be effective in the role. Bobby Cox will play it by ear, but is pleased to have Smoltz back in action, despite his blown save. |
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June 2, 2008 John Smoltz didn't have a storybook return to the bullpen. Far from it. He allowed three hits and two runs to the Marlins on Monday and blew a save chance. Our View:Yeah, but did you really expect Smoltz to set down such studs as Matt Treanor and Wes Helms? We don't want to worry too much after one outing, but fantasy owners were obviously hoping Smoltz would show up and turn into a lights-out closer. |
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June 2, 2008 Manager Bobby Cox informs the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he'll split the closer duties between John Smoltz, Rafael Soriano, and Manny Acosta in the near future. "We'll play it by ear every day," Cox explains. Our View:We can't blame Cox for thinking this way. Smoltz and Soriano are coming off arm injuries, and neither right-hander is a safe bet to work every day. We believe Smoltz will be the man in the long run, but fantasy owners may have to put up with some switching in the short term. |
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June 2, 2008 As expected, the Braves activated John Smoltz from the 15-day DL on Monday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He has been out due to right shoulder inflammation, and he has returned as a reliever. Our View:Smoltz brings a new delivery to his old closer's role, and it will be interesting to see how he looks. |
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June 2, 2008 As a follow-up to a previous report, John Smoltz expects to be activated from the DL prior to tonight's battle against the Marlins, according to the AP. Smoltz said, "Monday is still the plan." Our View:Smoltz can no longer handle the strain of a spot in the rotation, but could be effective while working out of the bullpen, as he racked up 36 strikeouts over 27 innings this season, with a favorable 1.11 WHIP. |
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June 2, 2008 John Smoltz is reportedly ready to close for the Braves' bullpen, according to ESPN.com. Smoltz can no longer handle a starting gig, due to his right shoulder, and moving to the bullpen is his only alternative, other than retire. Our View:It has been 44 months since Smoltz has served in the bullpen, and he is expected to return as a closer tonight. Adjust your fantasy lineups accordingly. |
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June 1, 2008 John Smoltz tossed a scoreless inning for Low-A Rome on Saturday, and the veteran hurler could come off the disabled list as soon as Monday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He is out due to right shoulder inflammation. Our View:We imagine the club will make a decision after seeing how Smoltz's arm feels on Sunday. We'll update his status as soon as more is known, but fantasy owners can tentatively plan on using him as a closer in the coming week. |
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May 29, 2008 John Smoltz threw 27 pitches while throwing two scoreless innings for Single-A Rome on Thursday, according to MLB.com. Smotlz was only scheduled for one inning, but after just 13 pitches he came back out for a second frame. Our View:Smoltz could return to the Braves this weekend and he will likely slide right into the closers role provided his injured shoulder doesn't flare up again. |
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May 28, 2008 Atlanta RHP John Smoltz will pitch for Single-A Rome on Thursday night, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our View:Smoltz has been missing time on the disabled list with an inflammed shoulder. He made his first rehab appearance on Saturday for Double-A Mississippi, pitching one inning with a groundout, a flyout, and a come-back hit to the mound that was not covered at first (charging Smoltz with a hit). The Braves will return Smoltz to the bullpen upon his return. |
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May 27, 2008 The Braves expect to add John Smoltz and Rafael Soriano to their bullpen during their six-game trip that starts Tuesday, but the exact day has not been determined, according to FanNation.com. Smoltz planned to join the team on the flight to Milwaukee on Monday night, but manager Bobby Cox said Smoltz had flu-like symptoms and would stay in Atlanta, and perhaps make a rehab appearance for Class-A Rome before returning to the Braves on the trip. Our View:He may be delayed due to illness, but at least he isn't having a problem with his previously ailing right shoulder. |
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May 24, 2008 John Smoltz allowed one hit in one inning on a rehab assignment with Double-A Mississippi on Saturday night and reported no discomfort in his shoulder afterwards, according to the AP. The veteran is coming back from right shoulder inflammation. Smoltz will return to Atlanta on Sunday, at which point the Braves will decide whether to schedule another rehab assignment or activate him. Our View:It sounds as if Smoltz could be back sooner than anticipated. With Rafael Soriano slated to come back tomorrow, the Braves bullpen will be getting a big boost. |
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May 23, 2008 John Smoltz will begin a minor league rehab assignment with Double-A Mississippi on Saturday, according to the AP. The veteran is pitching from a lower arm angle in an attempt to place less stress on his injured shoulder. Our View:Smoltz will come back as a reliever, in case you weren't aware already. He's expected to fill the closer role. |
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May 22, 2008 John Smoltz threw for a third straight day on Thursday as he faced hitters prior to batting practice, according to the Associated Press. "He’s got a lot of movement,” said manager Bobby Cox. “It all comes down to location. Smoltz has a knack, no matter what angle he’s throwing from.” Our View:Besides the news that he appeared to be feeling better, there was also the added wow factor that Smoltz also altered his arm angle as well throwing more from the side than over the top to protect his shoulder. An old pro like Smoltz likely won't take too long to adapt to a different arm angle, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will take it into game action when he returns. |
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May 21, 2008 Manager Bobby Cox said he expects John Smoltz to return within two weeks, according to the AP. The manager hinted Smoltz may not need another side session in Atlanta before beginning a minor league rehab stint. "I don't know for sure," Cox said. "He felt awfully good yesterday." Our View:It's a good thing Cox is giving up updates, because Smoltz isn't talking anymore. We'll update you on his progress, but this certainly seems like a positive bit of news. |
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May 20, 2008 After another test on his ailing right shoulder, John Smoltz declared Tuesday he will give no more injury until he's back on the mound for the Atlanta Braves, this according to the Boston Globe. "I'm not going to set a timetable," he told reporters. "You can report I'm doing everything possible to get out there as soon as I can." Our View:Smoltz felt some reporters misinterpreted his most recent comments by writing his comeback had run into problems and could be delayed for a lengthy period. |
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May 20, 2008 John Smoltz still has inflammation and discomfort in his right shoulder, and he is now unsure when he will be able to pitch again, according to the AP. The 41-year-old veteran reported problems after his bullpen sessions Thursday and Saturday. He has a long history of pitching well while dealing with mild discomfort and commented that if all goes favorably Tuesday, his plans for a minor league rehab stint this month "could very easily fast-track." Smoltz has been on the DL twice this season with a sore right shoulder, and says his current three-week stint could extend much longer if his attempts to throw make the trouble worse. He added, "See, if I keep creating more inflammation there’s my answer. That’s just what I have to deal with. I have to deal with my body showing me a reaction, whether it been a day later or two days later. Until I have that answer I can’t really follow anything else. If physically I can make the adjustments, I will. If I physically can’t make the adjustments, then there’s no medicine, physical treatments that will help. I’ve still got time." Our View:Smoltz has been on the DL since April 29 with inflammation, and he hopes to learn more after throwing on the side Tuesday. He will work out of the bullpen if and when he returns to the Braves this season. |
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May 19, 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that John Smoltz still hopes to come back from the disabled list by the end of the month, but Smoltz acknowledged Sunday that he could be out significantly longer. "It could be anywhere between the [late May] timetable I discussed and a lot longer," said Smoltz, 41, who reported discomfort following his Thursday and Saturday bullpen sessions. He said he doesn't know yet whether he can pitch in games until the situation improves — or when it will improve. Our View:He's been on the disabled list for three weeks due to inflammation in the rotator cuff and severe inflammation in a biceps tendon in his right shoulder. Smoltz said a cortisone injection and two weeks of rest didn't completely alleviate the inflammation, and throwing makes it worse. But he said there's no guarantee that complete rest for a longer period would knock out the inflammation. And since he can't afford to lose considerable arm strength if he hopes to pitch again this season, he is caught between trying to control the soreness and preparing for a return. If and when he does come back, it will be in the bullpen instead of the starting rotation. |
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May 18, 2008 John Smoltz threw on Saturday but he was still uncertain how his shoulder was doing on Sunday and said he likely wouldn't know until he throws again, according to MLB.com. Our View:Smoltz did say that he still has some discomfort in his shoulder, but he also stated that he felt he would be back within two weeks. Hopefully, that will be the case, but stay tuned for updates. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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May 5, 2008 John Smoltz is headed to the bullpen upon his return from the DL, according to the AP. Smoltz admitted he is not entirely certain how many bullets he may have left in his right arm, and he added, "I know I can do the role. It has everything to do with how my body reacts. The best avenue to come back is to slowly come back. It does me no good to come back to just pitch five innings. There’s no reason to fight it, complain or pout. I will just attack the problem. I see it like a puzzle and I just find different pieces. I’m fired up about the challenge. It may not work but I’m fired up about it. My success has confused people. I know it’s four games and two runs but it’s been five innings at a time and it was getting harder to do that. The up and down, pitch an inning and sitting down, an inning and pitch, an inning and sitting down, an inning, by the fourth inning was getting to me. I am completely at peace with where I am. If a fortune teller tells me that’s it, then I’m fine with it. I may still pitch 30 or 40 games this season, but not as a starter. I’m focused on doing what it takes this year. We have a very good team. The results haven’t been good. In about five months, we’re going to see how this works out." Our View:Smoltz could really help an ailing Braves' bullpen right now, and is eligible to come off the DL sometime next week. |
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April 30, 2008 There may be internal debate on how the team will use John Smoltz when he returns from the DL, but if you ask him there is no doubt, he will pitch out of the pen, according to MLB.com. "I'm coming back as a reliever first and then we'll see what happens," Smoltz said. "I hear people say that we can't win without me as a starter. But we're not going to win with me as a five-inning starter either." Our View:It remains to be seen how this situation will play out, but if Smoltz determines the pen is the best way for him to stay healthy, then the team should use him there given the injuries they have suffered this season to the back end of their bullpen. |
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April 30, 2008 John Smoltz is weighing his options while he rests on the DL due to his shoulder ailment, and he said he is willing to move back to the Braves' bullpen, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Smoltz said, "Right now I'm sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I'd like to end it." Our View:As a closer, Smoltz converted 154 saves over 3 1/2 seasons, including a National League-record 55 saves in 2002. The bullpen lacks a real closer right now as Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano are both on the shelf, and Smoltz is open-minded about returning to that role in the pen. He was 3-2 as a starter this season, with a 2.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 27 innings, with 36 strikeouts. |
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April 29, 2008 The Braves placed John Smoltz on the DL Tuesday. The veteran was examined in Birmingham, Ala., by Dr. James Andrews, who diagnosed a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff in the right shoulder, according to the AP. However, Smoltz will not need surgery to correct the problem. Andrews injected Smoltz's shoulder for the inflammation and prescribed rest and rehab until he is pain free. Our View:The Braves aren't sure when Smoltzie will return, but it sounds like it might be a while. We'll update you on his progress. |
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April 28, 2008 The Braves team website reports that John Smoltz will likely have to miss his next scheduled start. Smoltz will return to Atlanta on Monday night and be evaluated by the Braves' team doctors the following morning. After completing just four innings against the Mets at Shea Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the veteran pitcher's words and body language spoke volumes about his current shoulder soreness. Our View:The Braves have several issues to address in their rotation with Smoltz missing a start. Tom Glavine is coming off the DL on Tuesday, with the hope that his right hamstring is healthy. As for Mike Hampton, he will start for Triple-A Richmond in Durham, N.C., on Wednesday. If all goes well, Hampton could immediately return to the rotation. |
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April 27, 2008 John Smoltz is still experiencing soreness in his throwing shoulder, this after giving up four runs in a Sunday loss to the New York Mets. Our View:If Smoltz lands on the disabled list the Braves will be hard pressed to replace him with any of their available arms, which is limited with Mike Hamilton (pectoral) still rehabbing a chest injury. |
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April 27, 2008 Atlanta RHP John Smoltz lasted just four innings in today's 3-6 loss to the New York Mets, allowing four runs (all earned) on seven hits, including two home runs surrendered for three of those RBIs. Our View:Smoltz pitched 83 times, making 51 count for strikes, in what now sits as his shortest and most troublesome outing of the short season. |
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April 22, 2008 On a night of historical perspective for a veteran of many years, John Smoltz added to the excitement of the moment, tabbing his 3,000th career strikeout as one of 10 on the evening as the Braves fell to the Washington Nationals, 6-0. Our View:Smoltz completed seven full innings of work, hurling just 105 pitches (68 good for strikes) to allow just one run on five hits. Smoltz sent 10 hitters packing with strike outs, failed to walk a single batter, and now carries an ERA of 0.78. Unfortunately, the Braves failed to produce any semblance of offensive support, reliever Jorge Campillo allowed five runs (one earned) in 1/3 of an inning, and the Braves failed to mark the occasion with a win. |
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April 22, 2008 He has pitched in a variety of roles during his long and illustrious career, but today John Smoltz all but solidified his place in baseball lore by pitching his 3,000 career strikeout this evening. Our View:Smoltz got Felipe Lopez, the leadoff man for the Washington Nationals, for the second out of the third inning to complete the feat. Smoltz is now the 15th pitcher in league history to earn 3,000 strike outs, and only five (Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens) did it faster. |
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April 22, 2008 John Smoltz will be looking to remain unbeaten as he takes the hill against Washington tonight, according to MLB.com. He is currently 4-0 with a microscopic 0.56 ERA over 16 innings pitched, with 21 strikeouts. Speaking of strikeouts, he is only four away from the 3,000 milestone for his career. Our View:He will duel with lefty John Lannan, who is currently 0-2 with a 4.86 ERA. Smoltz should have the upper hand in this match-up. |
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April 17, 2008 John Smoltz pitched five shutout innings and struck out 10 helping an injury riddled Braves tame to a 8-0 victory over the Florida Marlins on Thursday. Our View:Smoltz, and Chipper Jones, are the only two productive vessels on a dismal Atlanta squad. The problem with this picture is that both are injury risks at any time. The Braves are taking on water and tonight's victory is nothing more than a piece of bubble gum in the Braves current cracks. |
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April 12, 2008 John Smoltz improved to 2-0 on the year as he limited the Nationals to five hits and one run over six innings to pick up his second victory of the season. Smoltz was able to exit after just 90 pitches as he stuck out five while walking two. Our View:Smoltz finally appears healthy, but at his age there is always the chance that he could be limited moving forward though there is no disputing the fact that he still can pitch. |
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April 12, 2008 John Smoltz will take the hill against the Nationals today, and he has notably fared very well against them in the past, according to MLB.com. He is 20-11 with a solid 2.60 ERA in 66 career appearances against the Nationals/Expos. And in his past six starts against them, he is 4-2 with an even better 1.77 ERA. Our View:Looks like Smoltz will have a good chance to pick up his second win of the season today, especially if Ryan Zimmerman continues to struggle. |
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April 7, 2008 John Smoltz was brilliant in his return to the mound on Sunday, but he left the game after five innings and 78 pitches because the knot behind his shoulder returned. "That's frustrating for me, but I recognized it, and I had a talk with myself when I walked off the mound to the dugout," Smoltz tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The ace does not believe the ailment will cause him to miss a start. |
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April 5, 2008 John Smoltz will make his first appearance of the season on Sunday, this according to the AP. Smoltz has been on the DL to give his shoulder a bit more time to calm down, will face the Mets and Johan Santana on Sunday. |
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April 4, 2008 With Friday's game being washed out by rain, John Smoltz will now come off the DL on Monday, not Sunday, as originally planned, according to the AP. The veteran gets a break in one sense because he no longer has to go up against Johan Santana, but the downside is he'll now have to make his start at Coors Field. |
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March 29, 2008 The Atlanta Braves report pitcher John Smoltz will start the season on the team's disabled list, but the actions of the franchise insure he will be eligible for his first schedule start on April 6th versus the Mets, according to MLB.com. Smoltz has been hampered by tightness between his neck and right shoulder, but the team hopes to see him make what would be his 2nd start of the spring on Sunday against Florida with hopes he will be ready to go for his first schedule regular-season go on the mound. If he is not ready, the team plans to give the start to Chuck James (who will also start the season on the DL but, like Smoltz, will be eligible for that April 6th matchup). |
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March 27, 2008 John Smoltz threw a 20-minute session in the bullpen on Thursday, this according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Braves beat writer David O'Brien noted in his report that when "Smoltz has the me-against-the-world tone (or at least me-against-the-skeptics tone) that he had today, that’s usually a good sign for the Braves". The hard-throwing veteran is scheduled to start for the Braves on April 6th. |
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March 25, 2008 John Smoltz pitched on Tuesday and said that he felt normal and didn’t have the soreness that he felt when he had to end a side session early last Wednesday, according to the Atlanta Journal Consitution. He is still expected to begin the season on the 15-day DL however, with a hopeful return to the mound on April 6. As for now, Smoltz will throw again on Wednesday or Thursday, likely off the mound, then pitch to hitters this weekend if there are no problems. He could pitch in a simulated game some time next week at Class-A Rome. |
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March 24, 2008 John Smoltz skipped his throwing session on Monday and decided he would wait at least a day before trying again, this according to the AP. Smoltz, currently dealing with a sore right shoulder, hopes to throw on Tuesday. “Probably tomorrow, for sure,” Smoltz said. Well that certainly clears things up. Each delay, no matter how minor at this point, adds to the probability of Smoltz starting the year on the DL, so it seems prudent to have another plan in place for early in the year. |
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March 23, 2008 John Smoltz's right shoulder has improved and he believes he will pitch sooner than later, but he could start the season on the disabled list, according to MLB.com. If the Braves decide that it makes the most sense to begin the season with him on the DL, the veteran hurler isn't going to object. "I don't know how the scenarios are going to shake out to," Smoltz said. "But whatever it is, it is and I'm going to embrace it." If Smoltz begins the season on the 15-day disabled list, he would miss just one scheduled turn in the rotation. |
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March 21, 2008 John Smoltz was scratched from his Friday start due to a sore shoulder, but he insisted that if this were the regular season he would've been able to go, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "That's a no-brainer," he said. The 40-year-old said the pain is not in the rotator cuff/labrum area, and that there is no reason to panic. The Braves could backdate a DL move and bring their ace back on April 6, the first time the team needs a fifth starter. That seems like the most likely scenario at this time. |
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March 21, 2008 John Smoltz was scratched from his start Friday due to a sore shoulder, according to MLB.com. "I'm not worried," Smoltz said. "It's not worth taking any chances right now. I'm smart enough to realize that you don't pitch through it now. You pitch through it during the season. You don't really pitch through it during Spring Training." Smoltz will take a few days off and possibly make a start next Wednesday. He first experienced the soreness during a side session on Wednesday. He cut the session short but hoped he could still give it a go today. Smoltz may not be worried, but this is reason enough for fantasy owners to bump him down their cheat sheets a tad. |
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March 15, 2008 John Smoltz was solid in his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday as he held the Rays scoreless over his first four innings of work before getting rocked for five runs in the fifth inning. He had four strikeouts and two walks and should be ready to roll at the start of the new season. |
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March 14, 2008 John Smoltz is slated to make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday in a split-squad game against the Rays, according to MLB.com. Smoltz is just bringing himself along slowly this spring, working a few simulated games instead of playing in exhibition contests. He's right on schedule for the start of the regular season. |
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February 27, 2008 John Smoltz has high expectations of himself, and thus far in camp he doesn't feel like he has lived up to them. "I'm a little disappointed with some of my pitches. But that will come," Smoltz said on a report on MLB.com. Smoltz is physically fine, he just isn't overly pleased with his location so far. Look for Smoltz to do a lot of work on the side and only appear in a handful of games this spring as he certainly knows how to prepare himself after 19 seasons. |