MLB: Braves nearing injury updates on Chipper Jones, Smoltz

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves are awaiting updates on injured stars Chipper Jones John Smoltz before the team opens a weekend series against the Cubs in Chicago on Friday.
The Braves will watch closely as Jones tests his sore right thumb and Smoltz finds out if a sore shoulder and finger hamper his ability to throw.
Jones, a third baseman, has missed seven consecutive games and could be placed on the disabled list on Friday if he can't play.
Smoltz, who said he felt fine after playing catch on Wednesday, may be able to determine if he'll be ready for Sunday's scheduled start against the Cubs when he tries to throw harder in a side session.
Jones and Smoltz lead the Braves in seniority and also are keys to the team's hopes in the NL East. The Braves, who are off Thursday, are four games behind New York entering the Mets' game against San Francisco on Thursday night.
Smoltz, 40, left Tuesday night's game in the fourth inning. He irritated a sore little finger on his pitching hand while batting and then felt discomfort in his right shoulder while warming up on the mound.