The Braves don't know how long Smoltz will be out, but general manager John Schuerholz was optimistic the pitcher would be back this season. We were encouraged by how good he's pitched when his arm felt good. It still looks good. However long it is, we don't know. When John will pitch again, how many starts he'll miss is all dependent on how he feels, how his arm responds to treatment.
Nobody really knows.
A telephone call to Smoltz's Atlanta home was not immediately returned. Smoltz last started on Saturday against the New York Yankees. He allowed four runs and six hits before leaving after three innings complaining of a sore back. Joe Nelson replaced Smoltz on the Braves' roster. Cox said Jason Marquis will be moved into the rotation to replace Smoltz.