Article:The Tomahawk Times - Braves forced to scratch Hampton

ATLANTA -- Shortly before game time on Thursday, the Atlanta Braves were forced to scratch left-hander Mike Hampton from his starting assignment against the Pittsburgh Pirates after he appeared to grimace during his warm-ups.

The extent or type of the injury is not known at this time and could take a while to uncover, pending a battery of tests. Umpires allowed Atlanta a 10-minute delay prior to the start of game in order to ready a new pitcher for the start. Right-hander Jeff Bennett will get the nod.

Though Bennett pitched two thirds of an innings in Atlanta's 10-2 victory on Wednesday, he is the only Braves reliever with starting experience at the Major League level.

''Grant McAuley covers baseball for the Atlanta Braves Radio Network. For more, click here.''