Philadelphia, PA (Best E Casino) - Atlanta pitcher Mike Hampton has encountered a handful of health-related setbacks, but the southpaw's long road back to the mound will culminate on Saturday, when he starts the Braves' game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Hampton, who last appeared in a major league game on August 19, 2005, missed the past two campaigns while recovering from separate surgical procedures on his left elbow.

The 35-year-old was set to make his season debut on April 3, but strained his left pectoral muscle moments before the first pitch. Hampton then aggravated the injury on April 30 and didn't throw off a mound for another six weeks.

Hampton continued to undergo therapy, but was discouraged when a strained left groin forced him to exit a July 16 rehab start for Double-A Mississippi.

A bullpen session on Tuesday left Hampton and the club feeling confident.

Hampton is 138-101 with one save and a 3.97 earned run average in 375 games (321 starts) for the Mariners, Astros, Mets, Rockies and Braves.