How John Smoltz Mastered Pitching as Both a Starter and Reliever

Quick Answer

John Smoltz mastered pitching as both a starter and reliever through exceptional adaptability, mechanical consistency, and mental toughness. His career transformation from a Cy Young-winning starter to a record-setting closer and back to a starter remains one of baseball's most remarkable achievements.

Smoltz's success in both roles was built on maintaining his core delivery while adjusting his pitch selection and preparation approach.

Key Facts

• Played 21 MLB seasons (1988-2009), primarily with the Atlanta Braves
• Career record: 213-155 with 3.33 ERA and 3,084 strikeouts in 3,473 innings
• Recorded 154 saves during his time as a closer
• Won 1996 National League Cy Young Award with 2.94 ERA and 8.2 fWAR
• Eight-time MLB All-Star
• First-ballot Hall of Fame inductee in 2015
• Only pitcher in MLB history with 200+ wins and 150+ saves
• Born May 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan
• Nicknamed "Smoltzie" and "Marmaduke"
• Currently serves as FOX MLB's lead game analyst alongside Joe Davis

The Mechanical Foundation That Made Both Roles Possible

John Smoltz's ability to excel as both a starter and reliever did not happen by accident. His pitching mechanics provided the foundation that allowed him to transition between roles without losing effectiveness.

Understanding what made his delivery work in both contexts requires examining the specific elements that remained consistent regardless of his role.

Consistent Delivery Across Roles

Smoltz's mechanics were built around a high leg kick and a powerful downward plane. Whether he was starting games or coming out of the bullpen, his delivery remained mechanically sound.

This consistency is rare among pitchers who switch roles, as many alter their mechanics when asked to pitch with maximum effort from the first pitch. The key mechanical feature that served Smoltz well was his ability to repeat his delivery regardless of game situation.

Starting pitchers typically pace themselves over seven or more innings, while relievers often need to throw harder from the first pitch. Smoltz maintained his arm slot and release point whether he was throwing 95 mph in the first inning or 98 mph in the ninth.

The Power Pitcher Archetype

Smoltz was never a finesse pitcher. He threw hard, relied on a devastating slider, and attacked hitters aggressively.

This approach actually translated better to relief work than it might have for a softer-tossing pitcher. Power pitchers often find the transition to relief more natural because they already pitch with high intensity.

His fastball-slider combination worked in any role. As a starter, he could show hitters multiple looks and pace himself.

As a reliever, he could simply unleash his best stuff from the first pitch. The pitches themselves did not need to change—only the context in which he used them.

Injury Recovery as a Pivotal Moment

Smoltz's transition to closer was not voluntary. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2000, missing the entire 2000 season.

When he returned in 2001, the Braves needed bullpen help, and Smoltz agreed to become the team's closer. This injury-recovery period forced Smoltz to adapt.

Coming back from Tommy John surgery, he could not immediately handle a starter's workload. The bullpen role allowed him to pitch effectively while building arm strength.

What started as a necessity became a career-defining opportunity.

The Mental Adjustments Between Starting and Closing

The most underrated aspect of Smoltz's success in both roles was his mental approach. Starting and relieving require fundamentally different mindsets, and Smoltz mastered both.

Preparation Differences

As a starter, Smoltz had four or five days between appearances. He could study opposing lineups, plan his pitch sequences, and prepare for specific hitters.

His routine involved building up to game day, knowing exactly when he would pitch. As a closer, Smoltz had to be ready to pitch on any given day, often with little warning.

He might go three days without work, then be asked to pitch three consecutive games. The mental preparation shifted from strategic planning to constant readiness.

Smoltz managed this transition by maintaining consistent between-start routines. He did not change how he prepared his body or how he approached the mental side of pitching.

The difference was in the timing of his preparation, not the substance.

Handling Failure in Different Contexts

Starting pitchers have the luxury of a bad game being just one start. They have time to recover and adjust before their next outing.

Relievers, particularly closers, face immediate consequences. A blown save is fresh in everyone's mind until the next game.

Smoltz developed the mental toughness required for both contexts. As a starter, he could shake off a bad inning and still pitch effectively.

As a closer, he had to immediately forget a blown save because he might be needed the next night. His ability to compartmentalize failure served him well in both roles.

The Pressure Differential

Closers face a different type of pressure than starters. The game is on the line every time they take the mound.

There is no next inning or next start to make up for a mistake. Smoltz embraced this pressure rather than shrinking from it.

As a starter, Smoltz thrived in big games. He pitched in numerous postseason contests for the Braves, often against the best competition.

That experience prepared him for the high-leverage situations he faced as a closer. The pressure of a World Series start is similar to the pressure of a save situation in the ninth inning.

Statistical Excellence Across Both Roles

Smoltz's numbers tell the story of a pitcher who dominated in both contexts. His career statistics are remarkable not just for their volume but for their consistency across different roles.

Starting Career Highlights

Smoltz's prime as a starter was exceptional. He won the 1996 Cy Young Award with a 2.94 ERA and 8.2 fWAR over more than 250 innings.

That season demonstrated his ability to carry a heavy workload while maintaining elite performance. His career as a starter included 213 wins, 53 complete games, and a 3.33 ERA.

These numbers put him in elite company among pitchers of his era. He was a workhorse who gave his team quality starts year after year.

Closer Career Achievements

Smoltz recorded 154 saves during his time as a closer. This number is remarkable because he only served as a full-time closer for parts of three seasons (2001-2003).

In 2002, he saved 55 games, leading the National League. The ability to record 154 saves after returning from Tommy John surgery speaks to Smoltz's resilience.

Many pitchers never regain their pre-surgery form. Smoltz not only returned but excelled in a new, demanding role.

The Unprecedented Combination

Smoltz is the only pitcher in MLB history with 200 wins and 150 saves. This unique achievement underscores how rare his career path was.

No other pitcher has demonstrated excellence across both roles at such a high level for an extended period. The combination of 213 wins, 154 saves, and 3,084 strikeouts makes Smoltz one of the most versatile pitchers in baseball history.

His Hall of Fame induction in 2015 was a recognition of this unprecedented career.

Lessons for Modern Pitchers

Smoltz's career offers valuable lessons for pitchers at all levels. His adaptability, mechanical consistency, and mental toughness provide a blueprint for success in multiple roles.

The Value of a Repeatable Delivery

Pitchers who want to be versatile must have a delivery they can repeat regardless of game situation. Smoltz's mechanics worked whether he was starting or closing because he had built them around consistency, not maximum effort.

Young pitchers often try to throw harder when coming out of the bullpen. Smoltz showed that maintaining proper mechanics is more important than increasing velocity.

His success came from staying within himself, not from overthrowing.

Embracing Role Changes

Smoltz did not complain about becoming a closer. He embraced the role and excelled at it.

When the Braves later moved him back to the rotation, he embraced that challenge as well. His willingness to adapt made his career possible.

Pitchers who insist on being only starters or only relievers limit their opportunities. Smoltz demonstrated that versatility can extend a career and create a unique legacy.

His Hall of Fame induction was possible because he was willing to do what his team needed.

The Importance of Mental Preparation

Smoltz's success in both roles required different mental approaches. He learned to prepare for both contexts and to handle the unique pressures of each role.

Mental toughness was as important as physical ability in his career. Pitchers who struggle with role changes often fail because they cannot adjust mentally.

Smoltz showed that the mental side of pitching can be trained and developed. His preparation routines and ability to focus under pressure were skills he honed over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did John Smoltz transition from starter to closer?

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2000, Smoltz could not immediately handle a starter's workload. The Braves asked him to become the closer when he returned in 2001.

He embraced the role and recorded 55 saves in 2002, leading the National League.

What made Smoltz successful in both roles?

Smoltz maintained consistent mechanics regardless of his role. His power pitcher approach worked in both contexts, and he developed the mental toughness required for each role.

He also kept his preparation routines consistent while adjusting their timing.

How many saves did John Smoltz record?

Smoltz recorded 154 saves during his MLB career, primarily during the 2001-2003 seasons. He is the only pitcher in MLB history with 200 wins and 150 saves.

Did Smoltz return to starting after being a closer?

Yes. After three seasons as a closer, Smoltz returned to the starting rotation in 2005.

He continued as a starter for the remainder of his career, demonstrating his ability to excel in both roles.

What is Smoltz doing now?

As of 2024, John Smoltz serves as the lead game analyst for FOX MLB broadcasts, working alongside Joe Davis. He covers the World Series and other major MLB games.

He also appears on MLB Network and other baseball media.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting. Career statistics come from Baseball-Reference.com, ESPN, and MLB.com.

Broadcast role information comes from FOX Sports and news reports. Hall of Fame details come from official MLB sources.