Braves pitchers doing well on rehab assignments
After injuries to Mike Hampton, Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan and Tom Glavine depleted their pitching staff, the Braves are moving closer to getting a few of those names back.
Tom Glavine will be activated from the disabled list to start in Tuesday’s game against the Nationals and Rafael Soriano doesn’t seem to be far behind.
Now for the pitchers on rehab assignments, the Braves Mike Hampton and Mike Gonzalez are both working in the minor leagues as they are trying to come back from injury.
Hampton was scratched from what would have been his first start of the season due to a strained pectoral muscle. In his first rehab game last night, Hampton went three innings for the Richmond Braves without allowing a run. Hampton threw 45 pitches, 29 for strikes. The Braves will not need a fifth starter until May 10 because of off days and Hampton’s start last night puts him in line to come off the disabled list to make that start on normal rest. If Hampton stays on normal rest, he’ll make two more starts – April 30 and May 5 – before coming off the disabled list to start on May 10.
Gonzalez, who is trying to come back from Tommy John surgery, appeared in his second game in extended spring training this morning and worked two perfect innings. Gonzalez only needed 12 pitches to get through two innings, all of the pitches were strikes. The Braves are hoping to have Gonzalez back in the middle of May. The Braves start a lengthy homestand on May 16th, which may be a good estimate on when Gonzalez could return.
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Mike Gonzalez, Mike Hampton, Rafael Soriano, Tom Glavine