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Baseball briefs

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 23, 2001

Smoltz preparing for stint on disabled list

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Braves pitcher John Smoltz, trying to come back after missing last year because of surgery on his right elbow, "probably" will open the season on the disabled list with tendinitis in the elbow, he said.

Smoltz was passed over for his scheduled start on Wednesday. He had asked team physician Joe Chandler to check out his elbow Monday after feeling some soreness after his previous start against the Yankees.

"He told me it was tendinitis. There's a little inflammation there," Smoltz said Thursday. "I've just got to let it settle down."

Smoltz has not pitched more than three innings in any start this spring.

"My goal was to pitch five, six innings and that's not going to happen," he said.

Asked if that meant he would likely open the season on the disabled list, Smoltz replied: "Probably. But that's their (the club's) decision."

Manager Bobby Cox said a decision would not be made until the end of spring training, but tried to remain optimistic.

"I think he'll be fine. I'm not thinking about it right now," he said.

Smoltz, who is coming back from "Tommy John" surgery one year ago today, said he had some pain after each of his three spring starts, but it lasted longer each time.

"The surgery took. The elbow is great," he said. "But there's going to be other issues and I just have to learn to deal with them."

Ankiel wild again

JUPITER -- Rick Ankiel, who threw nine wild pitches in four post-season innings last fall, walked his first three batters before giving up a grand slam to Montreal's Vladimir Guerrero.

"I'm just trying to get it right," Ankiel said.

Ankiel, the Cardinals' 21-year-old left-hander, walked eight in his previous spring start against Florida.

"I had a little more feel for my fastball but my curve wasn't working like it was the last time," Ankiel said.

ANGELS: Scott Schoeneweis allowed six hits and struck out six in 6 1/3 innings as Anaheim beat a split squad from San Francisco. In four starts this spring, Schoeneweis has allowed four earned runs in 15 1/3 innings.

"I think you saw how effective his changeup could be," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Opening up that off-speed pitch for him will open up parts of the plate for him."

Also, outfielder Tim Salmon agreed to a four-year contract extension. Financial terms were not available.

MARLINS: Florida paid financial considerations to Toronto to complete the Jan. 16 trade that brought outfielder Chad Mottola for a player to be named or cash.

ORIOLES: Though he's scheduled to pitch against the Cardinals today in Jupiter, left-hander Buddy Groom might not be available because of back spasms that kept him in the trainer's room for most of a pregame workout.

RANGERS: Centerfielder Gabe Kapler suffered a pulled right quadriceps muscle and had an MRI. It has not been determined how much time Kapler will miss.

RED SOX: Third baseman John Valentin said he will not be ready for opening day, ending his bid to return from a ruptured left knee and start the season in Boston's lineup.

TWINS: The team made two roster moves, optioning right-hander Matt Kinney and catcher Chad Moeller to Triple-A Edmonton. There are 34 players in camp.

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