Hampton a little timid in latest comeback

ATLANTA - Mike Hampton is still a bit timid about his long-delayed comeback.

The Braves left-hander, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2005, had another stint in the bullpen prior to Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hampton threw about 50 pitches, with no pain in the pectoral muscle that sent him to the disabled list before he made it to the mound this season. Now he's trying to get over the doubts in his head.

``Facing competition, I'm going to think about it,'' Hampton said. ``It's not an overnight thing. I've just got to get to where I just worry about getting hitters out. Mentally, I'm just a little timid maybe. I'm still trying to feel my way through it.''

Hampton's uneasiness is certainly understandable after all the injures he's been through. Two major operations kept him out the last two years, then he injured his hamstring while trying to rehab in Mexico over the winter. After an encouraging spring, Hampton was actually warming up for his first start when he hurt his pectoral muscle.

During his latest bullpen stint, Hampton worked in a few curves and cutters. He hopes to throw even more at his next bullpen session on Tuesday.

``I threw some breaking balls this time, with a bit more velocity,'' he said. ``If I can do that the next time out, I'll probably be ready to face competition, whether it be simulated or minor league or whatever.''

Hampton figures he wouldn't need more than a couple of practice games before he's ready to rejoin the Braves, though no one is taking anything for granted.

``I've kept my body in shape so my arm strength and everything stays good,'' he said.

INJURY REPORT, PART II: Omar Infante continues to take batting practice, and the Braves are hopeful he'll be ready to join the team in about two weeks.
The utility infielder was hit by a pitch during a Venezuelan winter league game and needed surgery to install a pin in his fractured hand. He's yet to play for the Braves since being acquired from the Chicago Cubs during the offseason.
Manager Bobby Cox said Infante will do a rehab stint in the minors before he's added to the 25-man roster.

Cox also is optimistic about reliever Mike Gonzalez, whose comeback from major elbow surgery continues to move along ahead of schedule. The left-hander may be ready to go by next month, which would be a major boost to the injury depleted pitching staff.

BRAVES BITS: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Braves have the worst record in one-run games (37-65) of any team over the last three years. They already had seven such losses this season before Saturday's game, matching the 1935 Boston Braves for the worst start in one-run games in franchise history. ... Rookie Gregor Blanco got his second straight start in left field after going 2-for-3 with an RBI on Friday.