Projo Sox Blog

John Smoltz was spotty in his final minor-league tune-up, giving up three hits -- one them a home run, and walking one -- but said he felt great physically and will be ready to go next week in his Boston debut.

"Today was the only day in the six starts when I didn't have a real good feel. But physically, it was probably my best day. There wasn't too much grind getting ready -- so physically, that's very encouraging," the 42-year-old righty said.

Smoltz is scheduled to start Thursday against the Washington Nationals. This was Smoltz' sixth rehab start across all levels of the minor leagues. Over the six starts, he was 1-1 with a 2.76 ERA. The home run was the second he allowed in his rehab.

Smoltz will likely pitch two side sessions between now and his start next Thursday, and he said he will start to look at film to prepare for facing major league hitters.

"It's going to be a long eight days. I'm prepared for that. It's been a long year. I'm going to do the best I can to prepare for that," he said.

Smoltz threw two innings in the bullpen before the game, and then fired a six-pitch first inning. Smoltz featured a fastball hitting between 89-91 mph. The home run came on a 91 mph fastball that Smoltz left up to former PawSox Keith Ginter. He threw 61 pitches in his four innings, and struck out two.

Smoltz' slider and changeup got swings-and-misses against the Charlotte batters. He struck out former Atlanta teammate Daryle Ward on a hard slider inside, and then got catcher Cole Armstrong on an off-speed pitch outside.

But Charlotte hitters made solid contact on most Smoltz' offerings; most hits went straight at PawSox outfielders, and a couple slick defensive plays were important in ensuring that Smoltz left with a relatively clean line.

The other two hits Smoltz allowed were a Wilson Betemit single to right, and a Brent Lillibridge single to left. He walked Ward in the fourth on four pitches -- but said that it was actually good for him to deal with some adversity.

"Today was actually going to be more encouraging, having gone through not being at my best, feel-wise," Smoltz said.

"I'm not a guy who doesn't throw his fastball pretty much where he wants to, and my split was all over. So it was a little bit of a struggle, feel-wise.... I just lost the feel for the baseball, and struggled with that. Sometimes you've got to fight that," Smoltz said.

The eight-time All-Star signed with Boston on Jan. 13, with the hope of returning sometime in June in a starting role. Because the rotation is full with Brad Penny and Tim Wakefield pitching well, and Daisuke Matsuzaka firmly entrenched, Boston will use a six-man rotation for the time being.

Saying that the rehab certainly "hasn't flown by," and that he leads the team in "innings watched from the dugout," Smoltz is now excited to get to focus on getting major league hitters out as his goal.

"Now, it's time. Now it's time to start getting ready for the things that I know will take me through not only a baseball game, but also a season," he said.

 Tags  Boston Red Sox Dan Barbarisi John Smoltz Pawtucket Red Sox

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