Bullpen duties likely for Smoltz

Manager Bobby Cox said Friday that John Smoltz is likely to return as the Atlanta Braves' closer when he comes off the disabled list. Smoltz, the only pitcher in baseball history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves, has a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff of his right shoulder.

There is no immediate timetable for Smoltz to return to the 25-man roster. The 40-year-old right-hander is 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts this year.

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