Red Sox pitcher Smoltz goes 5 innings in latest rehab start in Greenville

Smoltz records 6 Ks in rehab start

GREENVILLE, S.C. — John Smoltz had his longest and strongest outing of the season Sunday, working five innings in a rehab start for the Greenville Drive.

Smoltz gave up a run on four hits against the Charleston RiverDogs. But he closed by retiring his final seven batters, including the final three on strikeouts.

It was Smoltz’s third minor-league rehab appearance in the past 11 days as he continues recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Smoltz pitched three innings for the Drive on May 21, then went 3 1-3 innings with Double-A Portland on May 27.

The 42-year-old Smoltz signed with Boston in the offseason after 20 seasons with the Atlanta Braves.