Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Smoltz Pitching This Weekend...


Boston pitcher John Smoltz is headed to Florida in another step in his recovery from surgery to his right shoulder.

The 41-year-old right-hander is preparing to make a rehab start Saturday and plans to be with the Red Sox by early June.

Smoltz signed with the Red Sox in January after 20 years with the Atlanta Braves. He said before Wednesday’s game with Oakland that he plans to treat his time in Florida as if it were a regular spring training.

Smoltz will be joined in Florida by outfielder Mark Kotsay, who is recovering from a right elbow injury. Both players traveled with the Red Sox on their West Coast road trip.

"This is my spring training," Smoltz said before Boston's series finale against the Athletics. "I'm going to do exactly what I would be doing if it were February or March."

Boston manager Terry Francona also said shortstop Julio Lugo could be back with the Red Sox by Monday. Lugo is recovering from right knee surgery and is expected to play in the field Friday.

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