Thursday's performance -- called "so-so" by manager Bobby Cox -- did not really answer the questions he has about whether he will need surgery, about whether he should pitch again next season. But the decision will not be based on any result other than whether he is able to enjoy playing. That will mean pitching without pain, first and foremost, and getting results that don't embarrass him.

Despite the outcome on the scoreboard, Glavine wasn't totally displeased with his location; he wouldn't blame home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor's strike zone for that, although Cox did.

His elbow felt the same as it did in his two rehab starts: a little sore. But he felt good about his thought process facing each batter and, most importantly, he was able to trust that he'd make the pitches he intended to make. The day he had to leave with his left flexor tendon strain -- June 10 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field -- he had no idea where his pitches were going once they left his hand.

"I'm not discouraged," he says. "I'm not happy, obviously. Your expectations are high. What I was worried about in my two rehab starts, it came to fruition: I was worried about how sharp I really was and how much I was able to do what I wanted to do. You can't always get a true read in those minor league games. Against a lesser lineup maybe I get away with some of that stuff."

General manager Frank Wren says it is too early to say anything other than this is a setback for Glavine. At this point, no one has enough information to say whether this is the end of his career.

GIANTS 5, BRAVES 1: RHP Jair Jurrjens turned in another quality start but the Braves offense couldn't touch Giants RHP Matt Cain for the second time in less than two weeks.