From ESPN:
Atlanta closer John Smoltz had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to remove painful scar tissue in his right elbow.The report does not say when Smoltz will be ready to pitch again.Smoltz missed almost a month because of tendinitis in the elbow late in the season, and after his return he pitched through obvious pain in the Braves' division series playoff loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery in Birmingham, Ala., with Braves orthopedic surgeon Joe Chandler present.
The arthroscopic procedure repaired scar tissue that had built up from the last surgery on his elbow.
Smoltz, 36, has undergone three previous operations on his elbow, including "Tommy John" reconstructive surgery in 2000.
Update: Another piece from AJC gives more info:
Smoltz probably won't be permitted to pick up a ball until January, but Braves officials were told that he should be ready for spring training in late February.Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery at his Birmingham clinic. The renowned orthopedist also did the reconstructive surgery on Smoltz's elbow in March 2000, and said the scar tissue removed Tuesday had built up in the 2 1/2 years since that procedure.
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