Braves Put Smoltz on Disabled List

With Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux both struggling with earned-run averages of more than 4.50, the last person the Atlanta Braves could afford to lose was John Smoltz.

They did, as the best pitcher in Atlanta’s rotation was put on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of an inflamed right elbow.

Smoltz (5-1) noticed the soreness during the Braves’ 8-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. He gave up five runs in six innings, the most he has surrendered in 16 starts dating to last August.

To take Smoltz’s place on the roster, Atlanta activated relief pitcher Russ Springer. Smoltz’s spot in the rotation will be taken by Bruce Chen, 3-2 with a 2.40 ERA in seven starts at triple-A Richmond. The Braves will need to open a spot to recall Chen.

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Chicago Cub reliever Rod Beck has a bone spur in his pitching elbow, but Manager Jim Riggleman said it’s an old injury and he isn’t sure whether it’s the reason for Beck’s problems. Beck has blown four save chances, has a 10.54 ERA and opposing hitters are batting .438.

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Florida Marlin Manager John Boles will be out 3-10 days after undergoing emergency back surgery to remove a herniated disk. . . . The Montreal Expos signed former closer Mel Rojas to a minor league contract. He will join Montreal’s Class-A team in Jupiter, Fla.