Braves LHPs Glavine, Hampton throw batting practice sessions

MIAMI - Atlanta Braves left-handers Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton threw bullpen sessions before Wednesday's game at Florida and came away encouraged they're on the mend.

Glavine, hoping to avoid his first stint on the disabled list, threw about 30 pitches and said his strained right hamstring felt better. He expects to start Saturday as scheduled.

Hampton threw 40 pitches. He's trying to come back from two elbow operations, and his return was delayed when he strained his left pectoral muscle April 3.
``I felt pretty good,'' Hampton said. ``I didn't let anything go very hard, but it was a good step.''

Hampton, who remains on the disabled list, hasn't started a game in almost three years. He said he'll likely throw another bullpen session Friday.

Glavine's session was his biggest test since he left Sunday's game against Washington without recording an out.

``I felt good, good enough that I plan on pitching Saturday unless I have any setbacks,'' he said.

Glavine said he still feels a little tightness in the hamstring. His next scheduled start against the Los Angeles Dodgers was earlier pushed back one day as a precaution.