Atlanta's ailing arms


Just took part in a conference call with Atlanta Braves right-hander John Smoltz for an update on his post-shoulder surgery progress.

Smoltz underwent surgery Tuesday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. James Andrews, the renowned orthopedic surgeon who built a measure of his rep at Columbus' Hughston Clinic, repaired damage to Smoltz's right labrum.

The post-recovery prognosis for any athlete can be dicey, particularly for a 41-year-old major league pitcher, but Smoltz said his doctor didn't uncover any gruesome surprises during the procedure.

‘‘If he's pleased I’m pleased,’’ Smoltz said. ‘‘They think they have fixed it all, which translates into a chance to recover to whatever level I desire to recover.’’

What won’t be known for quite some time is whether Smoltz will pitch in another major league game. Smoltz said he plans to pursue ''aggressive'' rehab, but the possibility of returning to the game next season would most likely hinge on how well he regains flexibility in his right shoulder. He said he won’t be able to attempt to throw a baseball for four months. However, he was pleased to learn from Andrews that he could resume his golfing hobby in two or three months.

While the best-case scenario for a comeback by Smoltz would be spring training next year, he will rejoin the team after its current road trip in order to provide counsel to its young pitchers. Injuries have made the Braves’ season look increasingly bleak, with lefty Tom Glavine the most significant casualty of late. Atlanta sits 7 1/2 games out of first place in the National League East heading into Friday night, but have lost six straight and are 7-24 on the road.

During Friday’s media conference call, Atlanta general manager Frank Wren revealed that Glavine will be out for a month due to a torn flexor tendon on his left elbow. Wren said the earliest Glavine could be cleared would be the All-Star break (July 14-16).

"The only thing that will heal it is time,’’ Wren said.

When the Braves acquired Glavine in the offseason, it was celebrated as an opportunity for Atlanta to recapture some of its 1990s-era magic, when the lefthander starred in a rotation that included Smoltz and Greg Maddux. While Smoltz faces an uncertain recovery, he expressed sympathy for his teammate.

‘‘This is not in the script,’’ Smoltz said. ‘‘This wasn't supposed to be the way it was going to end (for both of us). There's still a little light at the end of the tunnel for him. With him, he's going to finish up his career and pitch again.’’

As for Smoltz, he reiterated Friday that he’ll retire with a clear conscience if his shoulder doesn’t heal well enough for him to continue on with the Braves next season.

‘‘I don't have to (pitch), but I still enjoy it,’’ he said. ‘‘If it's meant to be, then I'm going to do it. If not, then it's no big deal. I would welcome that if it's still afforded me. There's nothing I have to attain, nothing I have to prove. I look forward to seeing what the next four or five months hold for me.’’