Tom Glavine was scheduled to return to the Braves rotation on Saturday -- the first day the Braves need a fifth starter -- after a final tuneup in Double-A Sunday. But he left after just two-plus innings and 36 pitches, leaving Saturday's start at Pittsburgh in doubt.But Glavine told his agent, Gregg Clifton, that he suspects it was just scar tissue breaking loose. If so, it would be a setback -- you'd think he wouldn't start just five days after throwing 36 pitches -- but not a major one.
While completing his last scheduled Minor League rehab start for Double-A Mississippi on Sunday afternoon, Glavine was limited to two innings because of left shoulder discomfort that he encountered during his second-inning at-bat.By the time Glavine spoke to Clifton, the agent told FanHouse, Glavine was already feeling better. But there won't be a diagnosis until he is examined Monday in Atlanta.
The 43-year-old Glavine is attempting to return from an August surgical procedure that repaired a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow and also removed debris from his left shoulder, which has provided him discomfort throughout most of his career.
The good news for the Braves is they have pitching depth. Tommy Hanson and Jo-Jo Reyes would have broken camp in many team's rotations, but they are at Triple-A.
[T]he team could turn to Buddy Carlyle or Jorge Campillo from the bullpen, or dip into the minors for a replacement such as left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton, or top prospect Tommy Hanson at Class AAA Gwinnett.
