Article: John Smoltz to have season-ending shoulder surgery

Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz will have season-ending shoulder surgery, but he hopes to return in 2009.

The Braves called a news conference before Wednesday's game against the Florida Marlins to discuss Smoltz's ailing shoulder.

Smoltz and general manager Frank Wren declined comment until the briefing, but the pitcher said on his radio show that he will miss the rest of the season.

"I'm having surgery with the hopes of pitching beyond this year," Smoltz told 790 The Zone. "We're only kidding ourselves if we try to mess around any longer."

Still, the decision to have surgery raises serious questions about Smoltz's future. He turned 41 last ...

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