ATLANTA -- Greg Maddux first felt something in his last start Tuesday in Montreal, discomfort under his right armpit. Trainers treated him for a couple days and he thought little more of it.

"I got treatment the first day or so, and I figured maybe it was just sore," Maddux said. "Who knows why? Maybe it's the innings or just getting older."

That was the best, if only, explanation for the muscle strain under the right arm that sidelined Maddux yesterday, when the pain returned. Maddux doubted it would cause him to miss any time.

"I think it's going to be fine," manager Bobby Cox said. "That's a very unusual place. His elbow is fine. Everything else is fine."

Pub Date: 9/14/98