Smoltz opts to rest sore shoulder

ATLANTA - The cause for concern isn't necessarily high, John Smoltz said Tuesday, but he and the Braves have decided it's best for the team's ace to skip tonight's start to rest his stiff right shoulder.

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Smoltz plans to start Saturday against Florida. Horacio Ramirez will be moved up two days to start tonight against the Phillies.

Smoltz initially felt the soreness in his shoulder two starts ago in Washington. He felt well enough to pitch against Pedro Martinez and the Mets on Friday.

After talking with team physician Dr. Joe Chandler and manager Bobby Cox, they came to a decision that a couple more days of rest might be wise as the season winds down.

"Now's the chance I have to make the necessary steps to improve my shoulder," said Smoltz, 14-7 with a 3.02 ERA. "This is a smart decision. ... Anything you give it an extra couple of days is just going to make it that much better."

Smoltz and Cox said the move is more precautionary than anything.

"Anytime you talk about missed starts, automatically people go to the injuries," said Smoltz, who is always under close watch because of four elbow surgeries. "That's not the case."

Smoltz has battled through several nagging ailments this season. He said the shoulder tightness crept up without much warning. He also said, after 223/ innings pitched (second in the National League), some wear and tear is natural, whether he's 38 or a teenager.

Meanwhile, the decision gives Ramirez another start to improve upon his admitted lack of consistency. Ramirez (11-9, 4.65) will face Philadelphia's best pitcher, Brett Myers (12-8, 3.71).

"The future's out of my control," he said. "All I can do is prepare for a start and when the start comes, put that plan into place."

FOSTER ON MEND: Reliever John Foster told Cox after a bullpen session Tuesday that he was available for duty.

The lefty had been sitting out the past few days to rest a sore elbow.

Foster said he tried to toss this past weekend in New York, but quit after experiencing more soreness. He has been taking cortisone pills to help with swelling.

He said he noticed a difference in his session Tuesday because of the anti-inflammatory drugs. Even so, he said he won't know his true condition until getting in a game. "I told them I'm ready to go, but nothing duplicates games," said Foster, 4-2 with a 4.22 in 32 innings.

EXTRA BASES: Third baseman Chipper Jones was a late scratch for Tuesday's game because his wife was in labor. Jones arrived in the second inning, but remained on the bench in favor of Wilson Betemit. ... Starter Mike Hampton has officially decided to opt for Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery that will sideline him until spring 2007. Dr. Dave Altchek will perform the surgery Monday in New York.

Reach Travis Haney at travis.haney@morris.com.