Smoltz, Jones patch things up

ATLANTA – Braves manager Bobby Cox arranged and attended a meeting between John Smoltz and Chipper Jones on Sunday, one day after Jones accused the pitcher of questioning his integrity.

Jones said hitting coach Terry Pendleton also attended the meeting, and Jones said he apologized to Smoltz.

“Obviously there was a misunderstanding,” Jones said Sunday. “I apologized to him for my comments in yesterday’s interviews. He assured me he wasn’t singling me out. That was it.”

Jones did not play in Friday’s loss to Detroit due to a groin injury. After taking the loss, Smoltz said, “You can’t worry about who’s in the lineup and who isn’t. You can’t worry about that stuff anymore.”

Added Smoltz: “I certainly appreciate the effort of the guys who are on the field busting it.”

Associated Press