Hamels says he is "a couple days away"; Friday start likely
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Hamels says he is "a couple days away"; Friday start likely
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Cole Hamels won't pitch Monday or Tuesday. But the lefthander should be ready to take the mound on Friday, a schedule that was made possible by today's rainout. Hamels said this morning that most of the pain in his ankle has subsided and that the last hurdle standing between him and a return to the field is his ability to run the bases and field his position.
"I've been fine walking," he said. "It's not too bad. I'm a couple days away. I really am. I don't want it to be something where I can throw pitches but can't cover my position."
Because of today's rainout, Joe Blanton will start tomorrow in St. Louis, followed by righthander Brett Myers. The rest of the rotation - Chan Ho Park on Wednesday and Jamie Moyer on Thursday - will start on its regular fifth day, leaving Hamels to occupy Friday's game against the Braves.
Hamels is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He will also take fielding practice at some point in the near future to test the ankle.
"The big concern was trying to play my position and having to run," Hamels said. "I know I can put down a bunt, but I still have to run to first base. I can't just put down a bunt and walk to the dugout. If I was another team, I was bunting to me the first couple of times just to see how I do. So I think it's moreso taking some grounders and having to cover first, I think that's first."
Park will also get another start. Manager Charlie Manuel left the door open for a potential change after Park struggled on Friday, but pitching coach Rich Dubee said the righthander will remain in the rotation.
Rats.....I'll be there at the games in St. Louis and was hoping to see Hamels pitch. Oh well, better he get healthy than go out and re-injure/worsen it.— LoydinIL- Rats.....I'll be there at the games in St. Louis and was hoping to see Hamels pitch. Oh well, better he get healthy than go out and re-injure/worsen it.— LoydinIL
- ugh, more park. mabey he'll turn it around.— Souf Phil
- Right way to go with Hamels. Park will be sent down to find himself if he get's blown up again, not sure Happ will get the nod, he's been doing fairly well out of the pen and we still need help there until Romero comes back in June...— DJ
Comment removed.- This was rumored yesterday. The rain out is a convenient excuse.— Repubrebirth
- Weak. Should be Haap Wednesday and Hamels Thursday. Leave Moyer for the Braves.— tryinbrian
- Hamels against Mets sounds like a good idea, philly10!— gbrettfan
- Worst starting pitching in the majors to this point. Something needs to improve quickly. Everybody knows Park won't be in this rotation eventually. Why put off the inevitable? Get him into long relief now and see what Happ can do as the fifth. Blanton is a worry also. Maybe Kendrick will find himself in AAA. One thing that has impressed me about this team, aside from the defense, is the highly improved patience at the plate. They have more bases-loaded walks than they had all last season. But if the starting pitching doesn't improve, the bullpen will wear down, and the Fightins will find themselves needing to make up ground later. We need Hamels to anchor this rotation and be the stopper.— steelydad
- I disagree on Hamels- it's more important at this point in the season that he is healthy than having him pitch against the muts. If this were September I'd say throw him on Thursday. This is May and the extra day is more important.— KMG
- I've said all along; Happ is the choice. Nothing against Park; he can help in the 'pen.— thejerz
- I think Park surprised the Phils with his strong desire to be a starter. They let him start and he has stunk. Now if he goes to relief, he cant complain. If they put him in relief right away, he might have been upset and stunk there. This may benefit them over the course of the season if he goes to the pen. Just a thought...— 93phils
- Park really sucks. That was an awful outing friday and he has proven that he is the same bum that got blown around in Texas for years. If you look at his record as Dodger, you might think the guy still has something left, but just take a look at every other place he's pitched. The combination of weak stuff, no control, and pitching in a hitter's park make for a no-brainer move....send him to the pen or the minors, but get him out of this rotation. He will not last long in this role, Dubee needs to give him the hook sooner rather than later. Fold your hand, and play some new cards Rich. Chan Ho is a dead duck.— GHOSTPHAYCE
- carrasco— soliteryman
- Comment removed.
