Washington -- A day after the Braves' John Smoltz told the Journal-Constitution he would consider moving back to the closer role to help the team and his balky shoulder, manager Bobby Cox acknowledged it's an option.

"We always think about it," Cox said.

Smoltz went on the DL Tuesday with inflammation of the right rotator cuff and a biceps tendon, and told the AJC he would consider every option -- including possibly moving back to closer -- to help him get through the season.

"I am planning on coming back as a reliever first, and more than likely for the rest of this year," Smoltz said in a text message late Wednesday.

The soon-to-be 41-year-old converted 154 of 168 save opportunities in 3 1/2 dominant seasons as closer through 2004, before returning to starting.

Smoltz doesn't think he can continue as a starter, and the Braves will seriously consider returning him to the closer role.

"We won't know until we get the results of all this," Cox said, referring to Smoltz's rest and rehabilitation in the next few weeks.

The Braves have gone three weeks without DL'd closer Rafael Soriano, whose recurring elbow soreness raises doubts about his reliability for the immediate future.

Before Smoltz gave up seven hits and four runs in four innings Sunday at New York, he had a 0.78 ERA and .179 opponents' average for the season. But persistent pain he's dealt with for a year became too much Sunday, when he couldn't make adjustments he's made before to pitch effectively with tolerable discomfort.

"I'm never a guy that just because I'm not successful, means it's time to sit," Smoltz said. "... I'm never happy to go on the DL, but I just couldn't keep pitching this way."

Teammate and friend Tom Glavine said the discomfort Smoltz has dealt with has taken away much of the enjoyment.

"I talked to him a lot, and I know he's not feeling good," Glavine said. "He's searching for a way to try and get through what he's going through. I'm sure he's at the point where he's searching for a way to contribute."