“I have to thank the Braves for everything that they did for me,” Hampton said. “They did everything right and I really enjoyed being around all of the guys in that clubhouse. But I wanted to be closer to my family.” That’s why he signed with Houston.
How does he think he’ll be greeted on his return to Atlanta?
“I’m sure there will be some boos — just like there was in Colorado, New York and other places I’ve pitched,” Hampton said.
Chipper Jones said. “I don’t know what kind of reaction he’ll get (from the fans). But I know everybody in here liked him…” Link
Maybe Hampton has nothing to worry about, 19,127 people showed up for the game on Wed.
New guy makes a catch
Valverde, who was placed on the DL on Tuesday, retroactive to Monday, and sent home Wednesday afternoon to visit with Dr. Lintner after Head Athletic Trainer Nate Lucero informed Astros assistant general manager David Gottfried he wouldn’t likely recommend Valverde run until Sunday.
Lucero’s report prompted general manager Ed Wade to put Valverde on the DL, and the return home proved valuable.
“Dr. Lintner said it was great we got him back to Houston when we did,” Gottfried said. “They were able to give him an MRI. They saw the hematomas, they’ll drain them, and he should progress real well from there. Simple rest wasn’t going to do it.” Link
This is Lucero’s first season as the head athletic trainer, he used to be the strength and conditioning coordinator.