The Associated Press

ATLANTA - Atlanta Braves closer John Smoltz went on the disabled list Wednesday with tendinitis in his right elbow, probably derailing his chances of breaking the single-season save record.

Team physician Dr. Joe Chandler stressed several times that the condition is not serious, and said Smoltz is not expected to have any lingering effects when he returns Sept. 8.

To take his place in the bullpen, the Braves recalled lefty Jung Keun Bong from Triple-A Richmond.

Smoltz, who had reconstructive surgery his right elbow in 2000, will rest completely for seven days.

"This is an enforced period of rest that John otherwise wouldn't take," Chandler said. "This takes it out of his hands. This is not a serious problem."

A year after setting the NL record with 55 saves, Smoltz has a major league-best 44 this season and was on pace to beat the all-time mark of 57 set in 1990 by Bobby Thigpen.

The Braves have the best record in the majors at 84-47, and they have a 14-game lead in the NL East.

"This is classic tendinitis," said Smoltz, who's had problems warming up because of the ailment. "You have to do more to pitch less.

"I want to pitch in the postseason at my best. If this was a four-game lead, I wouldn't be doing this. This is a luxury thing."

ROYALS: Pitcher Jose Lima was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained groin for the second time this season. The Royals also added outfielder Rondell White to the roster. He was acquired Tuesday from the San Diego Padres.

INDIANS: Cleveland put infielder John McDonald on the 15-day disabled list with a strained lower back and recalled second baseman Brandon Phillips from the minor leagues.

The Indians also designated right-hander David Cortes for assignment and purchased the contract of right-hander Jose Santiago from Buffao.

Chandler took Smoltz to see orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., earlier Wednesday. After an examination that included an MRI test, Andrews made the diagnosis.

CUBS: Relief pitcher Dave Veres was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of right shoulder tendinitis, the same injury that sidelined him earlier in the year.

BREWERS: Right-hander Mike Crudale was acquired by Milwaukee from St. Louis on Wednesday as one of two players to be named in last week's trade that sent pitcher Mike DeJean to the Cardinals.

Crudale, 26, was optioned to the Brewers' Triple-A farm club at Indianapolis. He was 0-1 with a 1.64 ERA in 12 appearances for the Cardinals this season and 5-5 with a 5.52 ERA in 32 games with Triple-A Memphis.