Smoltz on track for Monday return

John Smoltz threw two scoreless innings in his first rehab appearance yesterday. He threw 27 pitches and struck out three batters. Of course, this is Single-A ball we are talking about, so the results are not important. What is important is that he was happy with his delivery and felt no discomfort. All signs point to him making one more rehab appearance tomorrow, and then he should be activated from the Prior List on Monday.

In related news, Mike Gonzalez made his first rehab appearance yesterday as well. He was in AA Mississippi, and threw a scoreless inning himself. Gonzo could be back in a Braves uniform as early as next week, but we’ll wait and see how his second rehab appearance goes before making any predictions.

With Soriano already back in the Braves’ bully, I fully expect some of those late inning, one run losses to start turning into wins. Games like Tuesday’s, where Hudson pitched into the eighth and gave up the tying run, will soon be handed off in the seventh.