Kissimmee, Florida -- Houston Astros pitcher Mike Hampton will return to Houston from Kissimmee, FL this afternoon after an EKG test revealed a minor irregularity.

Hampton is scheduled to be examined by Astros team physican Dr. Jim Muntz later today and, while in Houston, will undergo a procedure to correct his heartbeat with the application of electrical current. Hampton’s condition was discovered by Dr. Michael Link as a result of an EKG test taken on Saturday during a routine physical for Astros pitchers and catchers in Kissimmee.

“Mike had an irregularity in his heartbeat rhythm,” said Dr. Link. “He’s been sent to Houston to condense his evaluation and treatment so that he can return in as short a time as possible. Most likely, he will be at full speed when he returns, which could be by Thursday or Friday.”

Dr. Link, who has been working with Astros players in Spring Training since the team moved to Kissimmee, said Hampton is in very good physical condition.

“He had no symptoms and was completely unaware of this,” said Dr. Link. “How long he’s had it is unknown, but it is less than a year. It did not show up at his physical last year during Spring Training.”

Hampton, 36, was signed by Houston as a free agent in the offseason. In 14 big league seasons, he is 141-105 with a 4.01 ERA (958ER/2152IP).