Right now it doesn't look to promising with the tarp on the field and a hardy, steady rain falling down on Citizens Bank Park. Some folks are saying this will pass, but I just looked at weather.com's hour by hour forecast and it's either "isolated" or "scattered" thunderstorms all night.

Fun stuff.

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As with any other season, injuries will certainly have an impact on the National League East race.

On Wednesday morning, the biggest blow yet was felt by the Braves. Atlanta has called a press conference today to announce that sure-fire Hall of Famer John Smoltz will miss the remainder of the season.

The veteran Braves pitcher has already been in the disabled list twice this year with a severely inflamed biceps muscle and an inflamed rotator cuff. He'll likely undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.

Smoltz confirmed the news on an Atlanta radio show this morning. This could also mark the end to Smoltz's career - in recent weeks, he has talked about retirement due to his shoulder woes.

The Phillies will visit Atlanta for the first time in 2008 this weekend.

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The Archive Files


Adam Eaton continued his 2008 redemption with another strong showing in a win over the Reds, the first-place Phillies' eighth victory in nine games.

In the notebook, reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins feels like Rodney "I get no respect" Dangerfield.