Poor Mike Hampton

Mike Hampton is an easy target for cheap injury jokes but you shan’t find them here. I’ve always liked Hampton and thought he showed guts signing a big-dollar contract with the Rockies — with the real possibility of getting his brains beaten in every fifth day.

Unfortunately the injury bug done bit Hampton again today as he prepared to make his first start since Aug. 19, 2005.

During his warmup session in the Braves bullpen, after his 23rd toss, Hampton felt something in his left pectoral muscle. Officially it’s a strain and was bad enough to shelve Hampton for at least another 15 days.

Hampton has had other physical problems while trying to return after two elbow surgeries. He pitched only one inning in Mexico this winter before straining his hamstring when he slipped on the mound. He then strained his groin in the second inning of his second spring training game.

Hampton rebounded from the setbacks to post a 2.16 ERA in five spring starts. He entered the season as the Braves’ No. 4 starter, and his return to health has been mentioned often as a reason Atlanta is expected to contend for the NL East title.

Here’s a complete rundown of his injuries over the past five years:

• March 2003: Strained calf muscle
• 2005: On disabled list five times, including his last stint for Tommy John surgery
• March 2007: Torn oblique muscle
• Nov. 2007: Strained hamstring

At 35, it’s anyone’s guess if Hampton can make it back. I, for one, am hoping he can.