CINCINNATI — The Atlanta Braves put outfielder Mark Kotsay on the 15-day disabled list today with a strained lower back, but could have right-hander John Smoltz back in the bullpen next week.

Kotsay was scratched from a game Monday with tightness in his back. He flew with the team from Milwaukee to Cincinnati on Thursday night, then continued on to Atlanta to get medical tests.

Kotsay is batting .294 with four homers and 21 RBIs.

"He's not going to get better for another week or two — I mean, well enough to really turn it loose," manager Bobby Cox said. "He tried yesterday to swing, and he just couldn't."

The Braves recalled outfielder Josh Anderson from Triple-A Richmond to take his place. Anderson, who was acquired from Houston last November, batted .282 with one homer in 51 games at Richmond.

The Braves were pleased with how Smoltz's latest rehabilitation appearance went. Smoltz went on the disabled list on April 29 with tendinitis in his right biceps and shoulder. He pitched two innings at Class A Rome on Thursday, giving up one hit and striking out three.

"I talked to him last night as he was driving home from the game," Cox said. "He felt good. He's going to pitch again (in Rome) on Saturday, and hopefully if everything goes right, we could get him back maybe on Monday. Maybe."

The 41-year-old Smoltz went 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA in five starts before winding up on the disabled list. He made his first rehab appearance on May 24 for Double-A Mississippi.

Smoltz is hoping to return to the Braves as a closer. He had 154 saves from 2001-04 before returning to the rotation, and is the only player in major league history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves.

Smoltz has changed his delivery, dropping his arm lower, to lessen the strain on his arm.