Glavine, Hampton throw without pain
Before yesterday’s game in Florida, the Braves had two key bullpen sessions to keep a close eye on. Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton were throwing bullpen sessions for different reasons, but neither was less important than the other.
Glavine was throwing a bullpen session to test the hamstring he strained in his last start and felt well enough to pronounce himself the starter for Saturday’s contest against the Dodgers.
Hampton was throwing for the first time since having to delay his return to the major leagues because of a strained pectoral muscle. Hampton threw 40 pitches — mostly fastballs and sinkers — and reported no problems, though he did admit to not throwing at maximum effort with it being the first time.
“I really didn’t let any [pitches] go. I felt good,” Hampton said. “I’ll probably take a day off, then [throw another bullpen]. We’ll see how it reacts tomorrow.”
Hampton knows he’s still a few weeks away as he will need a few rehab starts in the minor leagues. He’s not concerned with his arm strength but knows he’ll need some starts to regain control of all of his pitches.
The Braves also got some good news in regards to closer Rafael Soriano, who feels confident that he’ll be able to return when eligible to come off the disabled list. Soriano threw off flat ground without any problems earlier in the week and will probably throw off the mound on Friday.
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Mike Hampton, Rafael Soriano, Tom Glavine