Smoltz says checkup with doctor ‘went great’

Braves pitcher John Smoltz said before his visit to Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham on Wednesday that he was confident he would be cleared to increase the level of his rehab work. And he was right.

“Everything went great,” Smoltz said in a text message after his exam. “We are stepping up the program.”

Smoltz said the timetable still calls for him to begin light throwing in October. He believes he’ll know within 20 days of resuming throwing whether he’ll be able to continue his pitching career.

He’s not under contract after this season, but Smoltz and the Braves are expected to work out a deal if he’s able to pitch.

General manager Frank Wren said Thursday the Braves would like to have Smoltz back, but said that it was too early to discuss a contract.