Mike Hampton fell to the ground in pain after injuring his left side in batting practice Thursday. The Braves believe he either broke a rib or suffered a strained oblique.
Either way, he's going to miss the start of the season. He was already behind this spring, but he was scheduled to make his debut in an inning Saturday. With Hampton out, it looks like both Kyle Davies and Lance Cormier will have rotation spots to begin the year. Maybe Matt Harrison could beat out one of the two with a truly impressive March. Oscar Villarreal is likely to be left in the pen.
X-rays on Mike Hampton's ribs have reportedly come back negative and the Braves believe he suffered a strained oblique.
Given how long oblique injuries can linger, the busted ribs might have been better. Hampton is almost certainly ruled out for Opening Day and may instead be looking at a May return as the best-case scenario given that he has to both heal up his side and get his arm into pitching shape.