The Pitchers Are Coming! The Pitchers Are Coming!

So far in 2008 the Braves have had to endure more than their fair share of injuries, particularly to the pitching staff. 4/5 of the optimal starting rotation has spent time on the disabled list and they've been joined by the team's three best relievers from last season. While John Smoltz's sore right shoulder will likely force him to miss another start - and may apparently require another stint on the DL - the stable of arms is likely to get a net boost shortly regardless. Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano are all expected back sooner rather than later.

Glavine is actually slated to return to the mound tonight against the Washington Nationals after being placed on the DL for the first time in his career with a strained right hamstring. While he was never expected to anchor the rotation or go deep into games, he can still churn out quality starts at this point in his career. His return could help mitigate the damaged if Smoltz has to miss much time.

Hampton hasn't started a major league game in years, but he continues to battle back from numerous injuries with steadfast resolve. He's already put together a successful 50-pitch outing for the AAA Richmond Braves and could be back in Atlanta after just one more rehab start. At this point, any amount of production from him would be a bonus. I will always wish him all the best, I just don't expect anything from him.

Gonzalez has had his timetable for return moved up a couple times already and he should now return to the big league bullpen by mid-May. Since he's coming back from Tommy John surgery, it'll take him some time to return to form, but his contributions will be appreciated regardless. The 'pen has been exhausted in this early season and they could use a guy with his track record.

Soriano's mysterious elbow problem seems to be dissipating again, which is great news. He could make his return to Atlanta as soon as early May and it wouldn't be a moment to soon. In his absence, the youngsters Manny Acosta and Blaine Boyer have really stepped up. Having Soriano and Gonzalez back should provide for a formidable bullpen sooner rather than later.

UPDATE: John Smoltz has finally relented and will be going on the DL. His performance thus far has been nothing short of extraordinary and we should once again be extremely thankful for his efforts. I'm starting to believe this might be John's last season and that's a real shame, but I'll hold out hope until he utters those final words. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope Glavine, Hampton and/or whomever else is called upon to step into the rotation can hold down the fort for a while. All of our starters will need to step up and Smoltz will have to come back sooner rather than later if the Braves are to salvage this season.