John Smoltz's minor-league rehab outing last week at Double-A drew mixed reviews, as scouts in attendance were far from impressed with his post-surgery stuff despite 3.1 innings of one-run ball.
He took the mound again yesterday at high Single-A and allowed one run over five innings. While there's no scouting report on his outing, it's safe to assume that Smoltz looked pretty decent while striking out six, walking zero, allowing just four hits, and throwing 52 of 73 pitches for strikes.
"I felt really good," Smoltz said. "I think I'm going to get a little more complete each time. For the most part, I'm really pleased with today's effort. I felt really fresh in the fifth inning, even though it's the longest stint I've had."
Smoltz has a 1.59 ERA and 10/0 K/BB ratio through three rehab outings and will now move up to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he's scheduled to make two starts before potentially being cleared to join the Red Sox's rotation.
_
Leave a Comment:
Saving...
As someone who has a lot of money invested in Boston Red Sox (and Yankees) tickets against the Braves coming up in a few weeks, all I can say is, "please God make sure he is picthing by that series." :)
What is his fastball velocity??..... Hello??? That should have been the first indication of his arm health.
Sorry.. I see the reclick to another article..... 87-90 fastball. Might get shelled in the AL.
Smoltz may not have a lot left in the tank but with some of the guys pitching out there in this rotation I would take him in a heart beat. One of the worst starting rotations in the american league thank god the bull pen has saved our season so far but how long till they run out of gas I am guessing late august september at this rate. WE NEED HALLADAY TRADE THE FARM AND GET THIS GUY.