Jun 04, 2008 9:44 AM EST

Braves' reliever John Smoltz was "pretty sore" after returning to the mound against the Marlins on Monday, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"Not bad, not good," manager Bobby Cox said of Smoltz's day-after discomfort. "He's pretty sore."

It was the first relief appearance for Smoltz in 44 months and his first action since coming off the disabled list with shoulder issues.

Via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution