--RHP John Smoltz (biceps and shoulder inflammation) threw two shutout innings Thursday in a rehab appearance for Class A Rome. He struck out three batters using his new arm angle, and he gave up just one hit. Smoltz plans to pitch again for Rome on Saturday, then expects to be activated Monday.
--CF Mark Kotsay's back is feeling better every day, but manager Bobby Cox says it still has not improved enough to put Kotsay back in the starting lineup. Kotsay missed his fourth consecutive game Thursday. --C Brian McCann got Thursday off -- a day game after a night game -- and C Corky Miller got the start. Miller has caught all of RHP Jorge Campillo's starts this season.
--RHP Rafael Soriano made his first appearance since April 6, pitching a scoreless ninth inning Thursday. He was hitting 91 mph on some pitches but also threw a wild pitch and walked a batter.
--OF Matt Diaz's MRI on his left knee in Atlanta on Thursday revealed a partial tear of his posterior cruciate ligament. He will be out four to six weeks. Years ago, Diaz suffered a grade two tear of his right PCL in Class A and was playing again in six weeks.
--1B Mark Teixiera's big afternoon Thursday against the Brewers continued his season-long trend of success in the sunshine. In 18 day games this year, he is hitting .321 (25-for-78) with three homers and 21 RBIs. In 34 night games, he is batting .221 (29-for-131) with three home runs and 14 RBIs.
BY THE NUMBERS: 17-7 -- LHP Tom Glavine's record against the Mets (2.82 ERA).
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think he likes to talk about retirement and then he realizes what he's talking about and comes to his senses." -- LHP Tom Glavine, on manager Bobby Cox signing another one-year contract extension.
