"Four weeks ago, Tom Glavine's surgically repaired shoulder felt creaky and he didn't sound convinced that his comeback would reach fruition.

After pitching five effective innings in his third Grapefruit League start Wednesday, the 43-year-old left-hander sounded more confident about his scheduled return to the Braves' rotation next month.

"It's more about how do I feel I'm progressing," Glavine (2-0) said after being charged with seven hits and three runs in five inning of a 9-3 win against Detroit. "And I feel good about it. I continue to get more comfortable and continue to get stronger."

Baseball's only active 300-game winner is trying to end his career on a positive note, after going 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 starts last season before Aug. 21 surgeries to repair a torn flexor tendon in his elbow and clean up wear-and-tear damage in his shoulder.

"Tommy pitched super," manager Bobby Cox said after Glavine's latest outing, which included no strikeouts or walks in 70 pitches, none harder than 81 mph. Glavine still hopes to get his fastball up around 84 mph, but Cox said it was not a concern.

"He's got plenty right now," the manager said. "It's sneaky-quick."

Glavine won't make his first start until April 18 at Pittsburgh, the first time the Braves need a fifth starter. The veteran will begin the season on the disabled list.

Glavine is scheduled to pitch in an intrasquad game against Class-AAA Gwinnett Tuesday at the new ballpark north of Atlanta, and pitch in a regulation minor league game April 12."