Braves' Smoltz ponders return to bullpen (AP)

 
Facing the prospect of trying to make it through the season with an aching shoulder, John Smoltz is pondering another dramatic career change. The 40-year-old right-hander, who already went from starter to closer to starter again, is planning to go back to the bullpen once he comes off the 15-day disabled list. [link]

Tags:

Related Stories
2

The Official Site of The Atlanta Braves: News: Smoltz: 'I'm coming back as a reliever'

WASHINGTON -- While others might be currently speculating, there's no doubt in John Smoltz's mind about what he'll be doing when he comes off the disabled list. In fact, the Braves right-hander has even allowed himself to accept the fact that he might ...
4

The Braves' Starting Rotation Needs National Guard Assistance

What happened to our lovely Braves starting rotation? We're here on the first day of May, and the rotation that had everybody stoked -- hell, one idiot even said we'd have three fifteen-game winners -- is in complete tatters. And since I finally got ...
1

Smoltz text message: He's returning as a reliever

Bobby Cox prefers having John Smoltz in Atlanta's rotation but the Braves' ace made it clear in a text message to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he plans on coming back as a reliever.
1

Smoltz Situation Could Prompt Trade

John Smoltz is planning to return from the DL as a reliever in three weeks or so.  This leaves the Braves with question marks in the rotation beyond Tim Hudson , Tom Glavine , and Jair Jurrjens . The fifth starter job is often in flux for a ...
1

Mike Gonzalez Freaking Loves Barbecue

Oh, and he's really, really itching to get back on the diamond. Which is good for Braves fans. Nice find in the Atlanta Journal - Constitution by Velcro Vernacular , whereby we learn that Mike Gonzalez is a very big fan of Smokey Bones barbecue in ...
Related Blog Posts
Scouting BookCloser Watch Update: ATL
Update: ATL -- With three of their four 'potential closers' already on the DL, the Braves may be considering returning fragile ace John Smoltz to the role he once dominated. Smoltz's old balky shoulder has kept him from making his starts this season, ...
MLB Fleece FactorHapless Hampton Hurt…Yet Again
Mike Hampton continues to be an anchor to the Atlanta Braves. The starting pitcher, who was being counted on this season to contribute to the starting rotation, re-injured his pectoral muscle during his 1st rehab start yesterday. After throwing a ...
Philliesflow.comReady, set, Brave
The Atlanta Braves start May at 12-15. Colin from Braves Blast took the time to answer some questions about what’s going on with the Braves these days. What do you see as the most significant developments for the Braves since the start of the ...
Rumors and Rants21st Century Reporting: It's All Very Futuristic to Buzzy
A quick note from the baseball world. It looks like John Smoltz, who went on the disabled list Tuesday with inflammation in his right (pitching) shoulder, will return from his stint in the trainer's room as a reliever -- and possibly the Braves' ...
FanHouseMike Hampton Is Already Hurt Again - Who Do the Braves Turn to Now?
Sun rises, world turns, taxes, etc., et al. Look, it's sad at this point but I think we all need to buck up and admit that Mike Hampton is not going to make a return to the Atlanta Braves as a healthy, dominant pitcher. If he makes a return at all. ...
Related News Articles
Smoltz pondering return to bullpen
ATLANTA (AP) -- Facing the prospect of trying to make it through the season with an aching shoulder,...
Smoltz mulling another dramatic career change
Read full story for latest details.
Smoltz hopes to remain productive
Before moving into the closer's role in 2001, John Smoltz spent a few weeks as a middle reliever. Based on how he feels and the state of the Braves bullpen at that time, he may do the same this year.
Cox: Smoltz will likely return as Braves closer
Read full story for latest details.
Braves' Smoltz likely to return to bullpen when healthy
Manager Bobby Cox said Friday that John Smoltz is likely to return as the Atlanta Braves' closer when he comes off the disabled ...