Smoltz To Miss Spring Training After Surgery On His Elbow

Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz will miss most of spring training as a result of elbow surgery to remove chips and calcium deposits, the team said.

Smoltz underwent a three-hour arthroscopic procedure Friday, the second time he has had the operation.

“This is a bummer. This is about as frustrating as it can get,” Smoltz said.

Smoltz said he was going through an accelerated off-season conditioning program last week when his elbow filled with fluid after he played catch. He said he knew what to expect even before the diagnosis.

“The blessing is, I found out about it quicker than I normally would,” Smoltz said.

Wayne Huizenga’s deal to sell the World Series champion Florida Marlins to club president Don Smiley could fall apart because Smiley has experienced setbacks in his search for investors willing to help meet Huizenga’s $150 million asking price.

Smiley, who would own a small percentage, also needs to raise another $10 million. One potential investor, the company headed by Seattle Supersonics owner Barry Ackerley, is now considered unlikely to invest.