Smoltz To Pitch For Rome Braves Thursday

As RomeNewswire first reported Monday night, Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz is scheduled to pitch in Rome on Thursday night as part of a Major League Baseball Rehab assignment. “We are happy to have a future Hall of Fame pitcher with us on Thursday,” says Rome General Manager Michael Dunn. “Even though it is unfortunate to have him on the disabled list, we are excited to give our fans the chance to see him play.” He is scheduled to pitch one inning in Rome’s game against the Asheville Tourists.

Smoltz was placed on the disabled list retroactive to April 28, with a severely inflamed bicep tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Just before being placed on the DL, Smoltz became only the 16th pitcher in Major League history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts on April 22nd when he fanned the Nationals’ Felipe Lopez in the third inning at Turner Field.

In his last rehab appearance, Smoltz reported no discomfort after allowing one hit in one inning with the double-A Mississippi Braves last Saturday night. He threw 12 pitches, eight for strikes, in the eighth inning against the Tennessee Smokies.

Thursday’s game against Asheville begins at 7pm and is the start of a four game home stand. Rome has won five of its last six games after today’s victory in Hickory. For ticket information call 706-378-5144 or log on to www.romebraves.com .