"Chad Finn of the Boston Globe reported at 4:37 this afternoon that the Red Sox have designated John Smoltz for assigment. This would seem to mean Smoltz's attempted comeback from arm surgery has reached an end and that the former Braves' pitcher could be nearing retirement.

Apparently Smoltz, 42, canceled a scheduled appearance on a New York radio station this afternoon and was believed to be flying home to Atlanta.

Smoltz is 2-5 with an ERA of 8.33. He yielded eight runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings in a loss to the Yankees on Thursday, a performance that left both the Red Sox and Smoltz questioning the future.

From Finn's story: "If [Smoltz] is not claimed on waivers, the club has 10 days to release him or send him to the minors."

Smoltz chose to sign with the Red Sox over the Braves in January when Boston offered more guaranteed money than his longtime employer did. The Sox were hoping Smoltz, who has a postseason record of 15-4, would pitch and win big games for them in September and October."