Teixeira, Smoltz Lead Braves to Victory

John Smoltz pitched well in his season debut, holding the New York Mets scoreless for 5 innings before leaving the game with shoulder soreness, later saying it was a precautionary measure. Smoltz and Johan Santana had a pitchers duel going as Santana only gave up 1 run through 7 innings. Aaron Heilman gave up a 2 run Homer in the 8th inning to the Braves Mark Teixeira to give the Braves a 3-0 lead. The Braves bullpen held onto the win allowing 1 run for a game final of 3-1. The Braves swept the Mets in a 2 game series this past weekend as the 1st game of the series was postponed to a later date due to rain.

Smoltz Headed to DL

John Smoltz may start the 2008 Major League Baseball Season on the DL. He has soreness in his shoulder and it may be best for the Braves and Smoltz if he starts off on the DL. They would set it up where he could be ready to start against the Mets on April 6th. He will try to throw later in the week to see if he can make his first scheduled start, but if not they will go ahead and place him on the DL to make room for another pitcher on the roster while he is out.