Hampton restarts career again with Astros

HOUSTON (AP) — Mike Hampton is reviving his career where he had his best seasons a decade ago.

The Astros signed Hampton to a one-year contract in the offseason and he is 7-8 with a 5.14 ERA. Those humble numbers hardly compare to when he was a regular starter for the Astros between 1995-99, but he’s made 19 starts — his highest total since 2004.

Ironically, he’s been the most durable starter lately while Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez have dealt with injuries.

Hampton, who will start Saturday’s game against Milwaukee if Oswalt is still out, savors every moment on the field more than ever and after years of wondering when he’d ever pitch again, he finally feels like his old self.

“If anything, through all I’ve had to deal with, I think I appreciate the game more, I appreciate each win more,” Hampton said. “I’ve learned to enjoy it all more. I tell myself, ‘Who knows how long I’m going to be able to play this game? I better enjoy it while it lasts.'”