The defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies don't expect to have ace Cole Hamels on the mound when they open the 2009 season on April 5 in a nationally televised Sunday night game against the Atlanta Braves. Pitching coach Rich Dubee said Monday that Hamels will need at least two more starts after today before he'll be ready to pitch in a major league game. That would put him on schedule to start the Phils' fourth game of the season on April 10. (Photo of Dubee and Hamels by Kathy Willens, AP)
In addition, last year's No. 5 starter -- Kyle Kendrick -- has been sent to the minors. USA TODAY's Seth Livingstone reports the move leaves lefty J.A. Happ and veteran Chan Ho Park as the remaining candidates for the job.
Hamels has been dealing with a tender elbow that has pushed his pitching schedule back this spring. Dubee said at this point it would be a "very, very, very small shot, if at all" that Hamels could start the opener. In that case, Brett Myers would be the most likely choice to face the Braves -- and get two starts on opening week.
Hamels has said there's "nothing to worry about" and he still plans on making his 34 starts this season. Last year was the first time Hamels has made it through an entire season without some sort of injury problem -- and he threw a career-high 227 1/3 innings, plus 35 more in the playoffs, earning World Series MVP honors in the process.
The injury concerns may lessen his fantasy value for those who shy away from risk, but he's still being taken as the No. 3 to No. 5 pitcher in most National League drafts.
Source: content.usatoday.com
In addition, last year's No. 5 starter -- Kyle Kendrick -- has been sent to the minors. USA TODAY's Seth Livingstone reports the move leaves lefty J.A. Happ and veteran Chan Ho Park as the remaining candidates for the job.
Hamels has been dealing with a tender elbow that has pushed his pitching schedule back this spring. Dubee said at this point it would be a "very, very, very small shot, if at all" that Hamels could start the opener. In that case, Brett Myers would be the most likely choice to face the Braves -- and get two starts on opening week.Hamels has said there's "nothing to worry about" and he still plans on making his 34 starts this season. Last year was the first time Hamels has made it through an entire season without some sort of injury problem -- and he threw a career-high 227 1/3 innings, plus 35 more in the playoffs, earning World Series MVP honors in the process.
The injury concerns may lessen his fantasy value for those who shy away from risk, but he's still being taken as the No. 3 to No. 5 pitcher in most National League drafts.
Source: content.usatoday.com
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