Smoltz pitches from mound for 1st time this spring

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Right-hander John Smoltz pitched from the mound in a Red Sox uniform for the first time Wednesday. Smoltz tested his surgically repaired shoulder by throwing 40 pitches in the bullpen.

Smoltz, who turns 42 in May, threw to a crouching catcher for just the second time since having surgery to repair a torn labrum on June 10.

Smoltz signed with Boston in January, ending his 20-year tenure with the Atlanta Braves. He has played catch off a mound this spring.

Smoltz threw 30 pitches from a windup and 10 from the stretch position. He is scheduled for another bullpen session Saturday with approximately the same number of pitches.