Mon May 19 13:18:22 2008

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Smoltz suffers setback

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Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Atlanta Braves star pitcher John Smoltz is wavering on a scheduled late May return date after feeling shoulder discomfort after a bullpen session on Saturday.

"It could be anywhere between the [late May] timetable I discussed and a lot longer," Smoltz told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The 41-year-old Smoltz has been on the shelf for the past three weeks with inflammation in his biceps tendon and the rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

Smoltz told the newspaper that a cortisone injection and two weeks of rest hasn't alleviated the inflammation, and throwing makes it worse.

"If, physically, I could make the adjustments, I'll be out there," Smoltz added. "If I can't make adjustments, no medicine or treatment is going to allow me to do it. I've still got time."

If the veteran can come back, it will be in the bullpen instead of the starting rotation. Smoltz feels he can not pitch multiple innings without the pain returning.