<p>Braves left-hander Mike Hampton missed his scheduled start Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies because of a stiff neck.</p><p>Hampton's neck had been bothering him for the past three days, said manager Bobby Cox, who wasn't sure what triggered the pain.</p><p>"It won't go away," Cox said. "I think it's something he's had on and off his whole career."</p><p>Travis Smith (0-3) got the start in the opener of a seven-game homestand.</p><p>Knowing that Hampton may not be able to pitch, Cox didn't use Smith in Sunday's 12-inning, 4-3 loss at Montreal.</p><p>"I held Travis back just for this," the manager said.</p><p>Hampton (11-9) started the season poorly, but he's gone 9-1 over his last 11 starts. He will continue to receive treatment on his neck and rejoin the rotation when the pain subsides.</p>
