Smoltz Wants to Pitch for Braves

ATLANTA (AP) - John Smoltz says he thinks a checkup Wednesday will show that his surgically repaired right shoulder is progressing ahead of schedule.

The 41-year-old Smoltz also looks forward to showing Atlanta Braves general manager Frank Wren that he's worth a new contract in 2009.

Smoltz left open the possibility that he would consider pitching for another team next season after spending his entire major league career with the Braves. But his first preference is to stay in Atlanta.

The 1996 NL Cy Young Award winner will drive to Birmingham, Ala., to meet with orthopedist James Andrews, who repaired a torn labrum and injuries in his AC joint and biceps when Smoltz underwent season-ending surgery June 10.

If Andrews gives him the go-ahead, Smoltz, who says he faces no limits in his daily physical routines, will begin soft-tossing in October.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)