Smoltz Joins Sea Dogs on Rehab Assignment
After pitching in 20 major league seasons for the Atlanta Braves from 1988-2008, Smoltz signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent on January 13, 2009. Smoltz was limited to just six games/ five starts with the Braves in 2008, spending three separate stints on the disabled list. His 2008 season officially came to a close when he had surgery to repair a torn labrum on June 10th.
The Boston Red Sox placed Smoltz on the 15-day disabled list on April 4th (retroactive to March 27th). He made his first rehab appearance on May 21st for Single-A Greenville. Smoltz tossed three scoreless innings allowing one hit while striking out two.
An eight time All-Star and the winner of the 1996 Cy Young Award, Smoltz owns a 210-147 career record with 150 saves and a 3.26 ERA in 708 games, including 466 starts. Smoltz ranks 16th in major league history with 3,011 strikeouts, he recorded his 3,000th strike out on April 22, 2008 when he struck out Felipe Lopez of the Washington Nationals.
Smoltz, 42 years-old, is the only pitcher in major league history to collect at least 200 career wins and 150 saves. Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley is the only other pitcher with at least 150 wins and 150 saves. He joins Eckersley as the only two pitchers in major league history to record both a 20 win season and a save season.
Smoltz was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 22nd round of the 1985 First-Year Player Draft. He was acquired by the Atlanta Braves on August 12, 1987 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Doyle Alexander.
The Portland Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field on Monday, June 1st at 6:00 PM against the Binghamton Mets. Tickets are available of all 2009 Sea Dogs' home games. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or order online at www.seadogs.com.