John Smoltz/Atlanta Braves--
Veteran Atlanta Braves pitcher and future Hall of Famer John Smoltz could be a step closer to retiring from baseball.
The Braves in a Wednesday news conference announced that Smoltz is done pitching for the team this season. He will likely undergo surgery on his right shoulder next week.
For Smoltz, this will mark a fifth operation in his 20-year major league career--the first four were on his elbow.
This season has been a grind for Smoltz He had already missed five weeks of action nursing his shoulder, and knew something had to be done after an appearance Monday night.
However, the 41-year-old pitcher stopped short of calling this the end of his career.
"I still love to compete. I said I would retire if the desire was gone, and I would definitely stand by that if for whatever reason in 5-6 months the desire was gone. I'm not there yet. I'm not there yet emotionally...physically would be the one thing to be determined".
Smoltz is the only pitcher in baseball history to record at least 200 wins, and 150 saves for a career.
Atlanta Braves/Wednesday action--
The Braves had their 2-game winning streak snapped in tough fashion Wednesday afternoon, losing to the Florida Marlins 6-4. Leading 4-2, the Braves' bullpen surrendered 4 9th inning runs to the visitors--reliever Manny Acosta allowed a pair of 2-run home runs. The 4-game series concludes tonight.
Veteran Atlanta Braves pitcher and future Hall of Famer John Smoltz could be a step closer to retiring from baseball.
The Braves in a Wednesday news conference announced that Smoltz is done pitching for the team this season. He will likely undergo surgery on his right shoulder next week.
For Smoltz, this will mark a fifth operation in his 20-year major league career--the first four were on his elbow.
This season has been a grind for Smoltz He had already missed five weeks of action nursing his shoulder, and knew something had to be done after an appearance Monday night.
However, the 41-year-old pitcher stopped short of calling this the end of his career.
"I still love to compete. I said I would retire if the desire was gone, and I would definitely stand by that if for whatever reason in 5-6 months the desire was gone. I'm not there yet. I'm not there yet emotionally...physically would be the one thing to be determined".
Smoltz is the only pitcher in baseball history to record at least 200 wins, and 150 saves for a career.
Atlanta Braves/Wednesday action--
The Braves had their 2-game winning streak snapped in tough fashion Wednesday afternoon, losing to the Florida Marlins 6-4. Leading 4-2, the Braves' bullpen surrendered 4 9th inning runs to the visitors--reliever Manny Acosta allowed a pair of 2-run home runs. The 4-game series concludes tonight.
