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Groundhog Day: Hampton re-injures pectoral

Lefty leaves rehab start early due to discomfort in pectoral

WASHINGTON -- Mike Hampton was forced to leave Wednesday afternoon's Minor League rehab start in the fourth inning after feeling more discomfort in his strained left pectoral muscle.

After throwing a first-pitch strike to Durham's Reid Brignac with one out in the fourth inning, Hampton called toward the dugout, prompting Triple-A Richmond manager Dave Brundage and trainer Mike Grauss to visit the mound.

Moments later, the 35-year-old southpaw exited the game and put his return to the Majors in even further doubt.

"He was throwing good and then he just started feeling it during those last three pitches," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "He just thought it was best to come out."

Mike, Mike, Mike.

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