"John Smoltz was supposed to be a clever addition for the Boston Red Sox, an accomplished pitcher who would finish rehabilitating his shoulder, join them in June and help guide them deep into October. But that plan has been a failure.

There was nothing clever about Smoltz's performance in a 13-6 loss to the Yankees on Thursday at Yankee Stadium. Smoltz was battered for eight runs and nine hits and walked four in three and a third innings. Because Smoltz is a struggling 42-year-old, the doubts about his future will intensify.

Smoltz is 2-5 with an 8.33 earned run average, the third-worst E.R.A. among major league pitchers who have made at least eight starts. The other two are the injured Chien-Ming Wang and Adam Eaton, who is no longer in the majors.

"Am I surprised?" Smoltz said, repeating a question. "Yeah, I'm very surprised. I couldn't throw batting practice and give up the runs I'm giving up."

Smoltz's season soon may be over, too. He is a future Hall of Famer, but he is fading. While Smoltz said that he felt he could correct his problems, he added that "time may not be on my side if this continues.""