Thu Apr 3 19:47:30 2008

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Hampton doesn't make anticipated return for Braves; Bennett starts

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Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Atlanta Braves left-hander Mike Hampton did not make his anticipated start in Thursday's game against Pittsburgh. Right-hander Jeff Bennett took the hill in his place.

Hampton, who was expected to make his first start in nearly two years for Atlanta, injured his left pectoralis muscle during his warm-up, and could be seen wincing after making a throw. He is listed as day-to-day.

The 35-year-old Hampton has missed the past two seasons after undergoing major elbow procedures, and hasn't pitched in an MLB game since 2005, when he went 5-3 with a 3.50 earned run average in 12 starts for the Braves.

Bennett, 27, is in his third MLB season, and second with Atlanta. Last season he saw action in three games, including two starts -- the only starts of his career. Bennett has pitched in two games already this season, giving up one run and two hits in two innings.