Hampton frustrated by latest injury setback

"I don't look too far down the road. I've done that before and it kind of bit me in the tail."

Hampton says he "stretches more than anybody I know" to try to avoid injuries.

"He's been (trying)," Cox said. "You can't ask for anything more."

The Braves believe Hampton's left arm is ready for the major leagues if only the rest of his body will allow him to pitch.

"My arm is big league ready," Hampton said. "I know that for a fact."

If not for Wednesday's injury, Hampton's next start might have been with Atlanta.

"He was up to 90 pitches," Cox said. "He's ready to go, arm-wise."

Hampton was 13-9 with a 4.28 ERA with Atlanta in 2004, his last full season. He was 5-3 with a 3.50 ERA in 12 starts for the Braves in 2005 before sustaining the injury which led to the Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery.

Hampton missed the 2006 season recovering the surgery and opened the 2007 season on the disabled list with a left oblique injury. He then learned he had a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow, leading to another season-ending surgery.

"I can honestly look myself in the mirror and know that I've done everything I possibly can to get back," he said. "Whether that happens or doesn't, it's not going to define who I am. I know I've done what it takes to get here and be successful."