Hampton gives up 6-run cushion in return: Mike Hampton waited 1,072 days to return to the major leagues, so he won't dwell on wasting a six-run lead. Pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs delivered a three-run homer in a seven-run fifth inning and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied past the Atlanta Braves 10-9 Saturday to spoil Hampton's first start in nearly three years. Making his first appearance since Aug. 19, 2005, Hampton couldn't protect a 9-3 cushion. The two-time All-Star overcame two major operations on his left elbow and an assortment of other injuries to finally make it back. "It's a great feeling to be back, but it's bittersweet," Hampton said. "I didn't do enough to help the team win. It's something to grow on." Hampton gave up six runs and eight hits in four-plus innings. The 35-year-old left-hander threw 91 pitches. He left after Chase Utley's single loaded the bases with none out in the fifth. (Updated 07/26/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Hampton certainly didn't make the Braves feel any more comfortable for starting him. The Braves will give Hampton the benefit of the doubt and he'll continue to make starts in the hopes he regains his form. We won't give him any benefits of the doubt. He should only be starting in NL-only leagues until he can prove effective. His next start comes Thursday against St. Louis. (Updated 07/26/2008).
Hampton is scheduled to take the mound against the Phillies on Saturday for his first start in almost three years. (Updated 07/25/2008)
Advice
Hampton hasn't pitched in the major leagues since Aug. 19, 2005. He's had two major surgeries on his left elbow in the last three years and has had a long line of new injuries while trying to work his way back into pitching form. He's has been injured before his scheduled start three times this season. Hampton hurt his left groin while pitching in a minor league rehab game with Double-A Mississippi last week, but impressed manager Bobby Cox in a bullpen session.
Hampton gives up 6-run cushion in return: Mike Hampton waited 1,072 days to return to the major leagues, so he won't dwell on wasting a six-run lead. Pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs delivered a three-run homer in a seven-run fifth inning and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied past the Atlanta Braves 10-9 Saturday to spoil Hampton's first start in nearly three years. Making his first appearance since Aug. 19, 2005, Hampton couldn't protect a 9-3 cushion. The two-time All-Star overcame two major operations on his left elbow and an assortment of other injuries to finally make it back. "It's a great feeling to be back, but it's bittersweet," Hampton said. "I didn't do enough to help the team win. It's something to grow on." Hampton gave up six runs and eight hits in four-plus innings. The 35-year-old left-hander threw 91 pitches. He left after Chase Utley's single loaded the bases with none out in the fifth. (Updated 07/26/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Hampton certainly didn't make the Braves feel any more comfortable for starting him. The Braves will give Hampton the benefit of the doubt and he'll continue to make starts in the hopes he regains his form. We won't give him any benefits of the doubt. He should only be starting in NL-only leagues until he can prove effective. His next start comes Thursday against St. Louis. (Updated 07/26/2008).
= probable start
