Bobby Cox prefers having John Smoltz in Atlanta's rotation. 

John Smoltz is hurting, but the Braves will hurt more if he does not return to the mound - in some capacity. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP John Smoltz (severely inflamed right biceps tendon and right rotator cuff inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 28. 

--RHP John Smoltz was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to April 28) following an examination Tuesday by Dr. 

The Braves won't need a fifth starter until May 10, on the road against the Pirates, which is looking like the best news the team has had in the last five days. 

As Ryan Zimmerman's slump stretched on, the questions mounted. 

Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an ailing right shoulder, though the Braves were told he can get over the problem without surgery. 

On opening day at his team's new ballpark, Ryan Zimmerman showed the Washington Nationals why they're building the franchise around him. 

Slumping Ryan Zimmerman had a season-high three hits, including a homer and tiebreaking two-run double, to lead the Washington Nationals past the Atlanta Braves 6-3 on Tuesday night. 

The Braves placed starting pitcher John Smoltz on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. 

Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an ailing right shoulder, though the Braves were told he can get over the problem without surgery. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP John Smoltz (discomfort in right shoulder) left the April 27 game. 

--3B Chipper Jones is hoping Monday's off-day, following two days out of the lineup, will be enough to temper the pain he's feeling in his back. 

Some Braves' golf plans for Monday's off-day in Washington might have been scuttled because of rain, and that isn't the only place where the forecast looks dark: Right-hander John Smoltz said on his morning radio show on Atlanta's 790 The Zone that he pla 

After lasting only four innings Sunday in New York, Braves pitcher John Smoltz returned to Atlanta on Monday and is to have his troublesome right shoulder examined on Tuesday.