The Braves activated John Smoltz Monday before the start of a four-game series against the Marlins. The Braves made room on the roster by sending right-hander Phil Stockman to Triple-A Richmond.Smoltz, 41, has been out since April 29 with severe shoulder inflammation and indicated the pain's still there, but that he thinks he can pitch through it. He's moving back to closer from the starting rotation because he believes that his shoulder can't withstand the rigors of starting the rest of the season.
"I get to put on a uniform for the first time in a while, go out and see when my number gets called," Smoltz said. "It'll be a little wait-and-see approach. I'm going to be uncomfortable for a while."
Smoltz converted 154 saves in 3 1/2 seasons as a closer through 2004, including a National League-record 55 saves in 2002.
https://www.ajc.com/sports/content/s...oltz_0603.html
06-02-2008, 08:32 PM
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