Flu bug to Hamels causes change in rotation

The Phillies have announced a change in their rotation because Cole Hamels has the flu.

Hamels, who was supposed to start Sunday's game against Washington, has been pushed back to Tuesday when he will face the visiting Toronto Blue Jays.

Roberto Hernandez, who was slated to start Tuesday, will now pitch on Sunday.

Kyle Kendrick will remain as the starter Monday against Toronto.

Manger Ryne Sandberg said that Hamels first got the flu on Friday. At that time, Hernandez was available for relief duty, but the Phillies held him back.

"We stayed away from using him knowing how Cole was feeling (Friday) and wanting to see how Cole was (Saturday)," Sandberg said before tonight's game. "He (Hernandez) is good to go."

Hernandez made his most recent start on April 25 in a 5-4 loss at Arizona. He took the loss, allowing four earned runs in six innings.

Hernandez also pitched 1/3 of an inning of relief during Tuesday's 6-1 loss to the New York Mets.

That was also Hamels most recent outing, where he allowed six runs (all earned) in 4 2/3 innings. Hamels, who didn't make his first start until April 23 due to biceps tendinitis, is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts.