Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Hampton will have major elbow surgery next week and miss the entire 2006 season.
Hampton, who was acquired from the Rockies, will undergo the “Tommy John” procedure Monday.
“The expected return is 2007,” Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. “Recovery from the arm surgery takes about a year. And if you try to do anything short of that, it’s not appropriate.”
Hampton made only 12 starts this season, going 5-3 with a 3.50 ERA. Hampton joined Atlanta in 2003, reviving his career after two horrible seasons in Colorado. He signed a $121 million, eight-year contract with the Rockies – a record for a pitcher, and the Braves were responsible for only $5.5 million of Hampton’s contract over the past three years. They pick up the full tab starting next season, when he is set to make $13.5 million before making $14.5 million in 2007 and $15 million in 2008.
Right-hander John Smoltz will skip tonight’s scheduled start because of a sore shoulder.
“It’s just a case of giving me a couple extra days off,” Smoltz said. “We’re fresh enough in the starting rotation.”
He will pitch Saturday.
Left-hander Horacio Ramirez will start in Smoltz’s place against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Yankees: Mike Mussina, who has not pitched in September because of inflammation near his elbow, plans to pitch Thursday in the finale of a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, likely on a pitch count of about 80.
After Mussina pitches, Shawn Chacon is expected to start Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays. Jaret Wright would pitch Saturday as long as he has no further trouble with his elbow.
Twins: Shannon Stewart’s left shoulder causes him so much pain the outfielder is unlikely to play again this season.
Stewart met with manager Ron Gardenhire and they decided the left fielder won’t play again in 2005 unless Stewart decides his shoulder improves enough that he wants to test it again in a game.
“I’m not ruling it out, but I’d rather be all right for next year,” Stewart said.
Orioles: All-star second baseman Brian Roberts left Baltimore’s game against the Yankees in the second inning with a dislocated left elbow.
Dodgers: Los Angeles activated left-hander Wilson Alvarez and recalled right-hander Jonathon Broxton from Double-A Jacksonville (Fla.).
Meanwhile, catcher Dioner Navarro returned to Los Angeles because of the illness of his newborn son Dioner Jr.
