The Sports Xchange reports that John Smoltz threw again on flat ground before Wednesday's game against the Phillies. His next step, throwing off a mound, could come Friday. Smoltz is sticking by his timetable for a return on "Something starting with a '2'". (Updated 05/15/2008).
Injury Report
Shoulder/biceps - 15-day DL. Out until at least late May (Updated - 4/29/08)
Fantasy Analysis
The right-hander, 210-147 lifetime with 154 saves, began the season by going 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts. He will return to the bullpen once he is ready to pitch again and plans to reduce his warmup pitches to about 20 to alleviate stress on his shoulder. Smoltz turned 41 Thursday and manager Bobby Cox isn't sure the All-Star's shoulder can stand the stress of throwing 100-plus pitches every fifth day. Consider him a must-have closer in any Fantasy league once healthy, which could be just before June at this point. (Updated 05/15/2008).
Smoltz is throwing again and hopes his injured rotator cuff heals enough to let him move into the Braves bullpen later this month. He threw 45 pitches from 60 feet at PNC Park on Monday. (Updated 05/12/2008)
Advice
Smoltz expects to be evaluated by the Braves medical staff later this week to determine if he can resume throwing off a mound. He hopes to be ready to pitch again in two weeks. Until this weekend, Smoltz had not thrown since lasting only four innings against the Mets in a 6-3 loss on April 27. Smoltz was diagnosed with inflammation in his rotator cuff and a biceps tendon and told to rest while on the disabled list.
The Sports Xchange reports that John Smoltz threw again on flat ground before Wednesday's game against the Phillies. His next step, throwing off a mound, could come Friday. Smoltz is sticking by his timetable for a return on "Something starting with a '2'". (Updated 05/15/2008).
Injury Report
Shoulder/biceps - 15-day DL. Out until at least late May (Updated - 4/29/08)
Fantasy Analysis
The right-hander, 210-147 lifetime with 154 saves, began the season by going 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts. He will return to the bullpen once he is ready to pitch again and plans to reduce his warmup pitches to about 20 to alleviate stress on his shoulder. Smoltz turned 41 Thursday and manager Bobby Cox isn't sure the All-Star's shoulder can stand the stress of throwing 100-plus pitches every fifth day. Consider him a must-have closer in any Fantasy league once healthy, which could be just before June at this point. (Updated 05/15/2008).
= probable start
