From MLB.com
04/03/2008 7:47 PM ET
Hampton scratched from start
Strained left pectoral sidelines southpaw in finale vs. Bucs
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ATLANTA -- Mike Hampton was scratched just before he was scheduled to make his much-anticipated return to the mound at Turner Field onThursday night due to a strained left pectoral muscle. Instead of making his first start since 2005, the injury-plagued southpaw found himself sidelined yetagain.
When Hampton was warming up in the bullpen, he felt some discomfort and was forced to stop.
At approximately 7:05 p.m. ET, which was five minutes before the scheduled first pitch, Braves third-base coach Brian Snitker went to the Pirates'dugout with a message. A few minutes later, Braves manager Bobby Cox had a short meeting with the umpires.
With Hampton unable to pitch, the Braves were given an additional 10 minutes to allow Jeff Bennett to warm up.
Hampton was planning to make his first start since Aug. 19, 2005. He missed the past two seasons recovering from separate surgeries on his left elbow.
This is the final season of Hampton's eight-year, $121 million contract.
Apparently it looks like Hampton was feeling pain in his pectoral muscle while warming up so he got scratched and replace by Jeff Bennett.
