Mike

Hampton

Hampton’s injured knee is getting better and he could return as soon as Tuesday, but Saturday looks more likely. We will see.

Hampton, who missed his rotation turn Thursday, doesn’t have a timetable for his return, but it’s conceivable he could be back by the end of next week.

Manager Bobby Cox indicated the team has no target date for Hampton’s return.

Hampton will miss one start with a torn meniscus, but he’s going to try to get back on the mound next week. Considering that he has control difficulties even on his good days, it’s pretty unlikely that he’ll be effective while pitching with a damaged knee. Once he does undergo surgery, he’ll need four to six weeks to recover.

How he holds up, and how effective he is will determine whether Hampton has a role on the postseason roster.

Hampton has begun agility workouts and could come off the DL on Saturday. He’s still not able to field his position.

He’ll have surgery in the offseason. If things go well today, the Braves will target a date for his return.

With bad weather expected tonight, there’s a good chance the Braves and Phillies will have to play a doubleheader in the next few days, and that’s likely where Hampton will come into play.

Hampton should be available out of the pen if the series against the Astros goes to a fifth game.

Hampton thinks he can be back before the Braves are done with three in Florida and three more in Puerto Rico. That he’s running is a good sign, as his injury hasn’t bothered his pitching, only his fielding and baserunning.