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Hampton has tear in left rotator cuff

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By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

08/19/09 8:30 PM ET

HOUSTON -- Astros left-hander Mike Hampton, who was placed on the disabled Tuesday with a strained left shoulder, was diagnosed Wednesday with a significant partial thickness tear of his left rotator cuff and has opted for rehab instead of surgery with hopes of returning this season.

Hampton underwent an MRI on Wednesday and was diagnosed with the injury by team medical director Dr. David Lintner. Hampton is 7-10 with a 5.30 ERA this season in 21 starts for the Astros, who signed him to a $2 million deal plus incentives in December.

Hampton left Thursday's loss at Florida after five innings with a strained left shoulder, marking his second successive start cut short by injury. He pitched two innings Aug. 8 before leaving with a knee sprain. He later got cortisone injections in both knees.

Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.