Two days after returning the Atlanta Braves lineup, John Smoltz is done for the season.
The Braves and Smoltz made the announcement at a press conference at Turner Field where they said the starter turned closer will need to have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.
Smoltz wouldn't talk about retirement.
"I'm totally content with it [surgery]," said Smoltz. "It's not the end of the world. I'm going to do everything I possibly can to pitch."
The only pitcher in big league history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves, Smoltz spent the first 12 years of his career as a starter. He missed the entire 2000 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, then returned in 2001 and spent most of the year as a closer.
"I've pulled off a lot of miracles. I probably shouldn't have played this long and I'm just trying to see if I can extend it," Smoltz stated. "I know I said I'd never go through this [surgery] again. I tried to retire in 1999, too. As a matter of fact I did, but I got talked out of it."
Smoltz was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday and was brought in to close out the Florida Marlins, but he blew the save, allowing two earned runs in the ninth inning.
Smoltz woke up on Tuesday with a sore shoulder, and was unable to pitch in the Braves win on Tuesday night.
Smoltz has said in the past that he would retire if he ever needed to undergo another major surgery. On Monday, he went back a bit on that statement saying there would at least be a chance that he would attempt to prolong his career following another long rehab process.
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