Not so fast on that planned John Smoltz return in late May.

The chronically sore-shouldered pitcher still hopes to come back from the disabled list by the end of the month, but Smoltz acknowledged Sunday that he could be out significantly longer.

"It could be anywhere between the [late May] timetable I discussed and a lot longer," said Smoltz, 41, who reported discomfort following his Thursday and Saturday bullpen sessions. He said he doesn't know yet whether he can pitch in games until the situation improves — or when it will improve.

He's been on the disabled list for three weeks due to inflammation in the rotator cuff and severe inflammation in a biceps tendon in his right shoulder. Smoltz said a cortisone injection and two weeks of rest didn't completely alleviate the inflammation, and throwing makes it worse.

But he said there's no guarantee that complete rest for a longer period would knock out the inflammation. And since he can't afford to lose considerable arm strength if he hopes to pitch again this season, he is caught between trying to control the soreness and preparing for a return.

If and when he does come back, it will be in the bullpen instead of the starting rotation. Smoltz doesn't believe he can pitch multiple innings at a time without the pain returning. He hopes he'll be able to give the Braves an inning at a time in a back-of-the-bullpen role.

That might not be as soon as he'd planned, however.

"If, physically, I could make the adjustments, I'll be out there," he said, referring to changes in delivery or arm angle to allow him to pitch effectively without exacerbating the inflammation in his shoulder.

"If I can't make adjustments, no medicine or treatment is going to allow me to do it. I've still got time."