Elbow Injury Sidelines Smoltz

Atlanta Brave closer John Smoltz went on the disabled list Wednesday because of tendinitis in his right elbow, probably derailing his chances of breaking the single-season save record.

Team physician Joe Chandler stressed several times that the condition is not serious, and said Smoltz is not expected to have any lingering effects when he returns Sept. 8.

To take his place, the Braves recalled left-hander Jung Keun Bong from triple-A Richmond.

Smoltz, who had reconstructive surgery his right elbow in 2000, will rest for seven days.

A year after setting the NL record with 55 saves, Smoltz has a major league-best 44 this season and was on pace to beat the all-time mark of 57 set in 1990 by Bobby Thigpen.

The Braves have the best record in the majors (85-47), and they have a 15-game lead in the NL East.

“I want to pitch in the postseason at my best,” Smoltz said. “If this was a four-game lead, I wouldn’t be doing this. This is a luxury thing.”

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Kansas City Royal pitcher Jose Lima was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained groin for the second time this season.

The Royals also added outfielder Rondell White to the roster. He was acquired Tuesday from the San Diego Padres.

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Philadelphia reliever Mike Williams was put on the Phillies’ bereavement list, and reliever Terry Adams was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained stomach muscle.

Williams, the loser Tuesday when Philadelphia blew an eight-run lead in a 14-10 loss, left the team to attend to family medical matters.

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The Chicago White Sox agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Jose Paniagua on a minor league contract and assigned him to triple-A Charlotte.... New York Met outfielder Roger Cedeno wasn’t in the lineup Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves because his 3-year-old daughter got sick and was taken to a hospital. His daughter, Michele, had minor surgery Wednesday and was resting comfortably, Met spokesman Jay Horwitz said.... Right-hander Pat Mahomes was designated for assignment, one day after pitching four no-hit innings in an unscheduled start for the Pittsburgh Pirates.