Published on: June 2, 2026, 07:28h.

Updated on: June 2, 2026, 07:28h.

John Smoltz is celebrated as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

The ex-NL Cy Young recipient excelled with the Atlanta Braves for nearly his entire career, spanning from 1988 to 2008, before making brief appearances with the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals in 2009.

Not only did Smoltz shine as a starting pitcher, but he also transitioned successfully into a closer in the latter part of his career. This Hall of Famer achieved a remarkable 200 victories and 150 saves, stepping into the closer role following his recovery from Tommy John surgery in the early 2000s.

Now 59, Smoltz recently engaged in a thoughtful interview discussing the early successes of the Braves, their competition standing, and his preparation for the prestigious celebrity golf event, the American Century Championship, scheduled for July 10-12, airing on NBC and Peacock.

Currently leading Major League Baseball with a record of 38-19, the Braves have made an impressive start to the season. According to Smoltz, maintaining player health will be crucial, especially since last season they struggled after a tough beginning with an 0-9 record.

“Health is the main factor,” Smoltz shared exclusively with Casino.org. “Their ability to stay healthy will determine how they navigate a highly competitive National League. If their pitching remains intact, they’ll be competitive against any team. Last year was a tough situation—they weren’t healthy, starting with an 0-9 record. This year, however, is a stark contrast; they have the potential to succeed.”

The Braves’ pitching lineup has been stellar, particularly with Chris Sale and Bryce Elder leading. Sale, at age 37, is a contender for the NL Cy Young Award with an impressive 1.89 ERA (third in the NL) and seven wins (second in the NL). Elder has also made a comeback, starting strong with a 2.50 ERA after a challenging previous season.

Despite the pitching prowess, Smoltz emphasizes the need for the Braves to keep their position players healthy.

“It’s essential for the position players to stay fit,” Smoltz remarked. “Last year’s injuries were detrimental. When they had their historic offense in 2021, many believed they found the winning formula. However, replicating that is nearly impossible; it was an exceptional year. They need to maintain their health to compete effectively—they have the talent but can’t afford a series of injuries.”

Smoltz: Dodgers Remain the Team to Beat

Smoltz expresses a strong belief in the Braves while constantly highlighting health as a decisive factor for their future. When questioned about the Braves’ potential to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions, Smoltz replied with confidence, “absolutely.”

Yet, he still acknowledges the Dodgers’ status as frontrunners.

“The National League is home to many formidable teams, including the Braves,” Smoltz noted, mentioning the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies as strong competitors. “San Diego possesses one of the strongest bullpens in recent history. Each of these factors will have significant implications for the NL.”

“Currently, the Braves are the healthiest team, but projecting the future, the Dodgers have assembled the most robust roster. Their head start is undeniable. While the Braves are a strong candidate, the Dodgers have an advantage based on their lineup, but all scenarios remain uncertain as the season progresses.”

Smoltz: Anticipating Blue Jays’ Playoff Run

Shifting focus to the Toronto Blue Jays, the defending AL champions, Smoltz acknowledges their rocky start this season, as they sit below .500 and face injuries, including that of key starter Dylan Cease.

Despite these setbacks, closer Louis Varland has emerged as a highlight, showcasing a stellar 0.31 ERA early in the season. Smoltz remains optimistic, predicting a turnaround for the Jays as they make a push for the playoffs.

“While I haven’t seen much of him yet, the Blue Jays appear to be getting back on track after a remarkable previous season,” Smoltz said. “They’ve dealt with injuries, but I still believe they will secure a playoff spot by the end of the season.”

Smoltz acknowledges that Cease’s injury poses a challenge for the team.

“Injuries are always impactful, especially for starters,” he noted. “Baseball has its established patterns, and teams must manage whatever challenges arise. Generally, a team needs eight or nine reliable starters to endure a season successfully.”

“Unfortunately, teams are struggling with how to develop depth rather than ensuring players remain healthy. This issue will persist as a common theme in baseball.”

Smoltz Discusses American Century Championship and U.S. Senior Open Qualifying

As the MLB season unfolds, Smoltz is gearing up for the American Century Championship, an annual celebrity golf competition he has participated in for many years. Although he has finished second on several occasions, victory has eluded him.

“This event is of utmost significance to me,” Smoltz expressed. “When this time of year arrives, I focus entirely on it. The invitation is precious, and I cherish every moment. I appreciate the venue, the cause supported by American Century, and the competitive atmosphere. Winning is always my goal; I’ve been close but haven’t clinched the title.”

When asked about the top young golfer at the event, Smoltz quickly names Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, a previous champion.

“Steph Curry stands out as the best young golfer, active and incredibly fit,” Smoltz said. “His win over Mardy Fish and Joe Pavelski was impressive. Although many have the potential to win, including Tony Romo and Annika Sörenstam, it often comes down to skillfully navigating the greens and understanding the point system.”

Smoltz has advanced to the final qualification stage for the U.S. Senior Open, a feat he achieved in 2018, and he aims to replicate it starting June 3 in Jupiter, Florida at The Bears Club.

“I’m eager to explore my golf capabilities,” Smoltz shared. “Having completed this challenge once, it’s among the most challenging tasks in golf, and I want to demonstrate that my previous accomplishment wasn’t a one-time fluke. I have one last round to prove myself; success will depend on a stellar performance against formidable competitors. My game is improving, yet the outcome will only matter on the day of the event.”