BOSTON, April 4 (UPI) -- Veteran right-hander John Smoltz of Boston will begin his 21st major league baseball season on the Red Sox' 15-day disabled list due to right shoulder soreness.
The only pitcher in major league history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves signed a one-year free-agent contract with Boston in January, but has been plagued by the ailment in spring training.
The Boston Herald reported Smoltz, 41, the former ace of the Atlanta Braves' staff, is not expected to be available until June.
He said he was "about 80-85 percent" (healthy) following a 40-pitch bullpen session Friday.
Last season, Smoltz went 3-2 for the Braves with a 2.57 earned-run average in six games (five starts), but shoulder surgery cut his season short.
Also Saturday, the Red Sox optioned right-hander Clay Buchholz to Class AAA Pawtucket and put four others on the DL, including outfielder Mark Kotsay (back) and shortstop Julio Lugo (knee).
The moves are retroactive to March 27.
