May 2, 2008 MLB.com reports that those who predicted that Mike Hampton wouldn't throw a pitch for the Braves this season are moving closer to being correct.
When Hampton exited Wednesday afternoon's Minor League rehab start with Triple-A Richmond because of more discomfort in his left pectoral muscle, the Braves knew the news wasn't good. After they had a chance to talk to the 35-year-old hurler, they came to understand that his exit wasn't simply a precautionary action.
"I did it worse than before," said Hampton, who originally strained the left pectoral muscle approximately 10 minutes before making his scheduled April 3 start against the Pirates. "I don't know what kind of timetable there is for this. All I know is it's pretty bad."
Our View:Those still waiting for Hampton to return, can stop waiting.
April 30, 2008 Mike Hampton was forced to leave Wednesday afternoon's minor league rehab start after feeling more pain in his strained left pectoral muscle, according to MLB.com. Hampton called toward the dugout in the fourth inning, prompting Triple-A Richmond manager Dave Brundage and trainer Mike Grauss to visit the mound. A few moments later, Hampton left the game and put his return to the Majors in even further doubt. Braves' GM Frank Wren stated, "He was throwing good and then he just started feeling it during those last three pitches. He just thought it was best to come out."
Our View:Hampton remains damaged goods as a fantasy prospect, and isn't worth waiting for.
April 26, 2008 Braves' left-hander Mike Hampton (strained left pectoral muscle) allowed three hits in three scoreless innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Richmond. Hampton threw 50 pitches in the effort.
Our View:Hampton still doesn't have a timetable for his return to the 25-man active roster, but his performance is encouraging.
April 22, 2008 With a successful bullpen session on Tuesday evening in the books, LHP Mike Hampton feels he may be ready for minor-league rehab starts, according to MLB.com.
Our View:Hampton strained his left pectoral muscle less than 10 minutes before making his scheduled debut on April 3rd, a definitive setback for the lefty who has not pitched in the MLB since August of 2005. Hampton notes he is not throwing his full menu of pitches and has work to do to be completely comfortable with his arm, but the veteran hurler is anxious to get back on the mound and working in meaningful innings for the Braves. The Braves have yet to announce their plans for Hampton moving forward.
April 19, 2008 Mike Hampton had another successful bullpen session on Saturday as he continues to try and work his way back onto the mound, this according to MLB.com. "It went pretty well -- I threw just breaking balls this time," said Hampton. "I didn't feel anything bite me. Mentally, I'm a little tentative, maybe, trying to feel my way through it."
Our View:You know just far a guy has fallen when a 50-pitch bullpen outing generates so much interest. Hampton will throw another session on Tuesday, and if that goes well he will likely be sent out on a minor league rehab assignment.
