Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — It appears likely that sore-shouldered John Smoltz will start the season on the disabled list, which at first glance seems an unmitigated sour development for the Braves.

But there could be a positive aspect.

The Braves have several pitchers who are out of minor-league options, and Smoltz's roster spot could allow them to keep one for at least a week longer.

That could permit the Braves to continue trade discussions, or delay a waiver move. It can be easier to get a player through waivers soon after opening day.

If Smoltz lands on the 15-day DL, the Braves would plan to bring him back to start April 6 in a Sunday afternoon home game against the New York Mets. That's the first date the Braves would need a fifth starter, because of an April 1 off day.

As DL stints go, Smoltz's temporary absence would be far easier to absorb now than at midseason. "It's perfect," manager Bobby Cox said of the timing.

A Smoltz DL stint could be backdated up to nine days into spring training, provided he doesn't pitch in a Grapefruit League game in that period. If he pitches later this week, it will be in a simulated or minor league game.

Smoltz was scratched from his start Friday, two days after developing soreness in the trapezius muscle between the neck and shoulder.

Smoltz said he's sore in the same area — but not as severe — as an injury he had when he slipped making a between-innings warmup pitch May 29 at Milwaukee.

He missed a start after that incident last summer, then came back and pitched for one month before going on the DL with lingering inflammation.

The Braves want to make sure that he takes all measures to quell this current injury, so it doesn't linger or become a recurring problem during the season. He rested all weekend and will probably try some light throwing today or Tuesday.

His rotation turn Wednesday will be taken by roster candidate Jeff Bennett, who filled in admirably Friday with three scoreless innings against Cleveland.

The Braves have four bullpen certainties — closer Rafael Soriano, setup men Peter Moylan and Manny Acosta, left-hander Will Ohman— and four out-of-options relievers: Blaine Boyer, Chris Resop, Tyler Yates and lefty Royce Ring.

Bennett also is prominent in the candidate mix as a reliever/spot-starter.