Washington — John Smoltz is back on the disabled list, but the Braves are happy that he needs rest and not shoulder surgery.

The veteran ace was diagnosed with an inflamed rotator cuff in his shoulder and a severely inflamed right biceps tendon after being examined Tuesday by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham.

Smoltz received a cortisone injection and was told to rest for an undetermined period until the inflammation subsides.

"It was good news, actually," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "It could have been worse. Could have been frayed or torn in there.

"It's just all inflammation. We'll let him rest a couple of weeks and see what happens. It sounded good to me. Nothing that's going to end [his career]."

The Braves are expected to recall rookie Jo-Jo Reyes from Class AAA Richmond to take Smoltz's rotation turn Saturday against Cincinnati.

Smoltz (3-2, 2.00 ERA) went on the DL as pal Tom Glavine, 42, came off the DL to start Tuesday night against Washington. Glavine had a strained hamstring.

Smoltz, who'll be 41 on May 15, was tagged for seven hits and four runs in four innings Sunday at New York, and said he couldn't have pitched more because of his aching shoulder.

It's his second DL stint of the young season. He began the season on the DL after his shoulder got inflamed late in spring training.

Smoltz had neither his customary fastball velocity nor the bite on his slider Sunday against the Mets. He said afterward he needed to get his shoulder checked because he couldn't keep pitching in that condition.

An appointment was quickly set up with Andrews. There was concern among the Braves that Smoltz's exam might reveal a rotator-cuff tear or other severe injury. But the MRI and CT scan showed only inflammation.

"Outstanding news," pitcher Tim Hudson said. "Obviously we need him as healthy as we can. He might need some time to get that calmed down a bit, but that's good news."

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Third baseman Chipper Jones and shortstop Yunel Escobar returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing the last two games of the Mets series.

Jones had back spasms Saturday morning at Shea Stadium, and Escobar had a contusion and swelling of his right index finger after being hit by a pitch while bunting Friday.

Escobar played only a half-inning in the series, which the Braves lost 2-1.

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The Braves hope to get much-needed help from veteran pitcher Mike Hampton. He's scheduled to finally make his season debut with a May 10 start at Pittsburgh after two more rehab starts, including one Wednesday for Richmond.

The oft-injured lefty is recovering from a strained left pectoral (chest) muscle, and said he could still feel some discomfort where he was injured.

"I hope I'll be ready," said Hampton, who hasn't pitched in a major-league game in 32 months because of injuries and two elbow surgeries. "I feel [the pectoral strain] some on every pitch. I'd be lying if I said I didn't.

"If it doesn't get any worse, I'll be fine."