BOSTON, June 16 (UPI) -- Veteran John Smoltz is expected to make his first major league appearance of the season next week for the Boston Red Sox.
Smoltz, who has been sidelined by shoulder surgery, is scheduled, according to Red Sox Manager Terry Francona, to make his debut June 25 against Washington. He is to pitch three innings for Class AAA Pawtucket Wednesday.
The 42-year-old right-hander signed a one-year contract with Boston back in January after more than two decades with the Atlanta Braves. He has not pitched since June 2, 2008.
"When I signed a long time ago, I looked at it as a bonus, and that's the way I look at it, a bonus," Smoltz said. "I wouldn't come back if I didn't think I could be as good as I need to be."
Smoltz has a 210-147 record and 3.26 earned run average in 708 games (466 starts) since breaking into the majors in 1988.
