Smoltz undergoes shoulder surgery

Jun 10, 2008 - 11:25 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Atlanta Braves righthander John Smoltz underwent successful shoulder surgery Tuesday.

Dr. James Andrews performed the arthroscopic procedure in Birmingham, Alabama. He repaired Smoltz's labrum, which was the most significant problem with the former Cy Young Award winner's right shoulder.

Smoltz, 41, will start a rehabilitation regimen within the next few days, though it is unclear whether he will be able to return to the majors.

"The prognosis on John's shoulder is unclear based on the findings of today's surgery," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "We will know more as John starts to progress through his rehab."

Smoltz went 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts before heading to the disabled list with chronic pain in his shoulder. He tried to return as a reliever, but allowed two runs and three hits in an inning on June 2 before shutting down and deciding to have surgery.

Smoltz owns a career record of 210-147 with 154 saves and a 3.26 ERA. He is the only player in baseball history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves.

On April 22, he became just the 16th player in history to reach 3,000 strikeouts.