Sports Page Atlanta

John Smoltz is on the disabled list right now with a shoulder injury that does not require surgery. Prior to yesterday, the big question was centered around when Smoltz would return to the lineup. Now, after a phone interview with Dave O’Brien, the question on everyone’s mind is whether or not Smoltz will even be back in the rotation.

After going on the disabled list Tuesday with inflammation in the rotator cuff and a biceps tendon in his pitching arm, Smoltz said it’s possible he would return to the closer role where he dominated during the 2002-04 seasons.

“Yes,” he said during a phone interview Tuesday night. “Right now I’m sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I’d like to end it.”

It was a surprising acknowledgment from Smoltz, who returned to his preferred starting role in 2005 after converting 154 saves in 3 1/2 seasons as a closer, including a National League-record 55 saves in 2002. He is 47-26 as a starter since the beginning of the 2005 season.

I’m not a fan of this move, unless it’s being made as a result of Smoltz’s shoulder wearing down. By that, I mean if this move is a knee-jerk reaction to the failing Braves bullpen, it’s a poor decision. However, if Smoltz returning to the closer role extends his career, or even allows him to continue with his career at the level of dominance he’s established, then, by all means, let’s get Smoltz pitching in the 9th inning again.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 8:01 am and is filed under Atlanta Braves. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.