OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Boston pitcher John Smoltz is headed to Florida in another step in his recovery from surgery to his right shoulder.
The 41-year-old right-hander is expected to throw to live hitters for the first time Saturday in Fort Myers. He hopes to be back with the Red Sox by early June."This is my spring training," Smoltz said before Boston's series finale against the Athletics. "I'm going to do exactly what I would be doing if it were February or March."
Smoltz, who has 210 career victories, signed with the Red Sox in January after 20 years with the Atlanta Braves.
He'll be joined in Florida by outfielder Mark Kotsay, who is recovering from a right elbow injury. Both players traveled with the Red Sox on their West Coast road trip.
Boston manager Terry Francona also said shortstop Julio Lugo could be back with the Red Sox by Monday. Lugo is recovering from right knee surgery and is expected to play in the field Friday.
