Tommy John surgery looms for Hampton

PHILADELPHIA - An evaluation in New York on Thursday confirmed that Mike Hampton's forearm tightness is directly related to a faulty elbow ligament.

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Dr. David Altchek, the Mets' team physician, recommended the Braves' left-hander have reconstructive surgery.

Atlanta's team doctors made a similar diagnosis in the past week. The team's medical staff will meet with Hampton today to decide for certain what Hampton would like to do. Tommy John ligament replacement surgery is the likely avenue.

"It wasn't shocking, but it's still a disappointing development," Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. "He was a real big part of our pitching staff."

Hampton went 5-3 with a 3.50 ERA in 12 starts this season. Before the forearm began to bother him, Hampton was 4-1 with a 2.05 ERA after a complete-game shutout of Houston on May 8.

With 2005 obviously done, a large chunk of next season is also in danger for Hampton, depending on his rehab time. The shortest returns from Tommy John surgery are typically nine to 12 months.

Hampton, 32, is under contract with the Braves through the 2008 season. He's owed $13.5 million next season.

"(Surgery) doesn't mean we can't have him healthy for years to come," Schuerholz said. "With modern medical technology, he'll be fixed and may very well be ready for the next several years."

Regardless, it'll be a long road back for Hampton, who also endured a herniated disc late this season. Several times, he attempted to return from the various ailments. Each go-round was short-lived.

ANOTHER GEORGIA BOY: With another left-hander ailing - John Foster's elbow is sore - the Braves added southpaw Chuck James to the 40-man roster.

To make room for James, who's from just west of Atlanta, Jorge Vasquez was designated for assignment.

James now joins Screven County's Macay McBride, another young pitcher, as the only healthy lefties available for the time being.

ON DECK: John Smoltz (14-6, 2.95) and New York's Pedro Martinez (14-7, 2.93) will meet for the fourth time this season.

"There's something about some names," Smoltz said. "Pedro is one of those names. You know you've got to be on your game."

Reach Travis Haney at travis.haney@morris.com