Atlanta placed RHP John Smoltz on the disabled list August 27th with tendinitis in his right elbow. Smoltz had received considerably fewer save opportunities in August than in prior months, but his absence in the late innings didn't become conspicuous until Manager Bobby Cox failed to use him in a tie game at San Francisco on the 21st. Even then, since it wasn't a save opportunity, most people questioned Cox's judgment rather than Smoltz's health. Smoltz went on to make back-to-back appearances the following two nights, so when he hit the DL the move was a surprise.

Reportedly, he began feeling some soreness in the joint about two and half weeks before hitting the disabled list. The training staff began watching the problem and eventually reached the conclusion that since the Braves held a substantial lead in the National League East division race the club would be best served by placing Smoltz on the disabled list to rest the elbow before he was needed in the post-season. Tests revealed minor tendinitis, and Smoltz received a cortisone shot. Originally, Atlanta felt he would be able to rejoin the team on September 8th, when he'll first be eligible to leave the DL. After throwing yesterday, Smoltz still retained some soreness, which likely means his return will be pushed back until at least the third week of September. While he's improving, a slower pace should insure he fully recovers and will stay healthy through the playoffs, which was the object of the DL trip.