Tests show no major injuries to Soriano's elbow

5/7/2008 6:48 PM

By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) -Atlanta Braves closer Rafael Soriano can resume his throwing program after tests on his sore right elbow Wednesday revealed no major injuries.

Soriano had an MRI and a bone imaging scan, and the results were reviewed by Braves orthopedist Dr. Xavier Duralde.

``Both showed normal, so what we were really trying to do was rule out all the major things, whether it was a compromised ligament or stress fracture or things of that nature,'' said Braves general manager Frank Wren, who added his reaction was ``relief.''

``He still has some pain, but now that we've been able to rule out anything significant, he'll be able to restart his throwing program with the confidence he's not doing any further damage,'' Wren said.

``That's the kind of peace of mind you need to give the players as they're pitching through some things.''

Soriano was placed on the disabled list with elbow tendinitis on April 9. The Braves sought more medical analysis because they were concerned about the persistent pain that forced Soriano to cut short a bullpen session on Tuesday.

Soriano had been encouraged about his recent progress before feeling more discomfort Tuesday.

``He has gotten better,'' Wren said. ``He's decreased his discomfort over the last month, but there was still some lingering there and that's why we decided to go ahead and get it checked.''

There is no timetable on Soriano's return. He may go on a minor league rehabilitation assignment when able to throw consecutive days without pain, according to Wren.

Soriano was 9-for-12 in save chances last season and has one save this season. He was 3-3 with a 3.00 ERA.

Also, the Braves will learn Thursday if they'll be without reliever Peter Moylan for the rest of the season.

Moylan, who opened the season as Soriano's top setup man, will have elbow surgery Thursday in Birmingham. Dr. James Andrews may have to only remove a bone spur from Moylan's elbow, but the Braves and Moylan are braced for possible season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, manager Bobby Cox said Wednesday that John Smoltz, on the disabled list for the second time this season with shoulder discomfort, ``is feeling better each day.''