Smoltz may be facing shoulder surgery  —  Braves expected to discuss veteran's future at news conference  —  ATLANTA — John Smoltz has said that he'll be content if he never throws another pitch.  Now, just two days after he attempted to alleviate stress on his shoulder with a move to the bullpen …

SaberScouting's Mock Draft, Draft Eve Edition  —  It is the eve of the most highly-awaited day for all of us weird people that follow the MLB Draft.  Here at SaberScouting, we've decided to celebrate Draft Day Eve by breaking out our crystal ball and projecting the first 15 picks of Thursday's draft.

Hoping to avoid surgery, Ortiz is cast in uncertainty  —  The sight of David Ortiz standing in front of his locker yesterday afternoon, clad in a green T-shirt and hard black cast, gave those in the clubhouse a glimpse of just how long this summer might be.  While it is possible that doctors …

Early miscues doom Perez, Nats in loss  —  Lefty leaves with tendinitis in twice rain-delayed game  —  WASHINGTON — By the 16th pitch of Tuesday's game with the Cardinals, starter Odalis Perez and the Nationals were in big trouble.  —  Perez hit one batter and gave up a three-run homer and an RBI double …

JOBA IS STOPPED FOR JAY-WALKING  —  CHAMBERLAIN'S STARTING DEBUT BRIEF; YANKS FALL FLAT  —  It wasn't very pretty for Joba Chamberlain.  It was simply disappointing.  —  With back-page hype and a sellout Bronx crowd on hand, Chamberlain's starting debut was far from a huge success last night.

Newest Yankee Just Tries to Blend In  —  Dan Giese had never been to Yankee Stadium before Tuesday, when he showed up five and a half hours before game time.  Giese wanted to see the sights, and he noticed a group taking a tour of the ballpark.  He tagged along a few feet behind, careful not to step out of line.

Sorry, Mac, but it's time for Mariners to release Sexson  —  LISTENING TO JOHN McLaren dutifully protect Richie Sexson, I wished I had the Mariners manager on my side in the principal's office after I broke a school window.  Not only would the episode shift from intentional to accidental …

Marlins option Tankersley to reduce 'pen  —  Reliever was 0-1 with a 7.16 ERA in 23 appearances this season  —  ATLANTA — The Marlins on Tuesday night optioned left-handed reliever Taylor Tankersley to Triple-A Albuquerque.  —  The team has been carrying 13 pitchers …

Zell on Cubs, Leno in last leg of tour  —  Tribune Co. expects to retain a minority interest in the Chicago Cubs when it sells control of the major league ballclub.  It also wants to talk to top-rated late-night comedian Jay Leno, whom NBC plans to replace next year as host of “The Tonight Show.”

Nats to become even more ‘green’  —  Club to host program for environment on Wednesday  —  WASHINGTON — Major League Baseball's most eco-friendly park will get a little more so on Wednesday when the Washington Nationals host “Get Your Green On,” a one-night program encouraging their fans to be more environmentally conscious.

Hawpe's sore hamstring not hurting Smith's shot  —  In manager Clint Hurdle's estimation, Seth Smith needs to improve his throws, outfield routes and base-running.  But, he said, “he has always hit at every level.”  The Rockies are determined to get a long look at Smith …

Marlins hoping for repeat vs. Glavine  —  Florida (31-26) at Atlanta (31-28), Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET  —  ATLANTA — A part of Cody Ross can't help but wonder how things would have turned out if both teams had something on the line.  —  Instead, the Marlins played the role of spoiler in the 2007 season finale.