MVN - Most Valuable Network

Hampton hits the DL (again)

In perhaps the most predictable event of the 2008 season, Atlanta Braves lefthander Mike Hampton was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left pectoral muscle. Hampton was scheduled to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, but the 35 year-old felt some discomfort while warming up in the bullpen. Former Pirates prospect Jeff Bennett started in Hampton’s place.

Lefthander Jo-Jo Reyes is expected to be called up to serve as a long reliever in the short term, with Reyes giving way to lefthander Chuck James later in the week. James is attempting to work his way back from a partially torn rotator cuff.

TG Analysis

Hampton is the Capo Crimini of injured starters. The $15M man has not made a major league start since August 19th, 2005.

Relying on Hampton for anything more than lengthy DL stints is a fool’s errand, but the lefty’s latest injury hightlights the precarious position of the Braves starting rotation. Atlanta has the core of a championship-caliber offense, but John Smoltz (41, shoulder), Chuck James (rotator cuff), and Tom Glavine (4 K/9 in ‘07) all come with varying degrees of uncertainty. Jair Jurrjens, a strike-thrower with a good curve, is a promising young arm and Tim Hudson figures to post another solid campaign, but it isn’t difficult to envision a scenario where the Braves are scrambling for a starter or two at some point.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 5:27 am and is filed under Mike Hampton, Braves. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.