Smoltz cant shoulder the load

April 27, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz is experiencing soreness in his shoulder again. Smoltz left today’s game after the 4th inning, which he gave up 4 runs in, and complained about discomfort in his throwing shoulder. He’s already missed his first start of the season because of this. He said this discomfort prevented him from throwing his pitches the way he would normally like. Will this cause his 2nd stint on the disabled list this year?

Right now, Smoltz and the Braves aren’t sure where this soreness will lead. “The next couple of days I should know what paths we’re looking at,” he said. Could Smoltz’s body be catching up to his age? John is just a few weeks away from his 41st birthday, and it could be just old age now. Smoltz came in to the game with a 3-1 record and a 0.78 era in 4 starts, striking out 31 in 23 innings pitched. It’s a very impressive start for a pitcher of his age, let alone any pitcher. “He’s been dominating all season,” manager Bobby Cox said. “This is the only time he didn’t dominate.”

If a stint on the DL is needed, you would probably see Chuck James called up to take his spot in the rotation.

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