Cole Hamels spring struggles have continued into the regular season. Now fans have to be worried about the left-hander's health.
The Phillies ace never got comfortable on the mound Friday against the Colorado Rockies as he gave up seven earned runs, 11 hits and one walk in 3.2 innings.
Hamels didn't look like an ace as he only struck out one batter in his first regular season start.
The most disturbing facet is that Hamels' fastball never broke 90 mph. The loss of velocity was a concern during Spring Training after Hamels came back to Philly to have his elbow checked out.
Now the question is whether Hamels rocky start is only a blip as he returns to his World-Series-MVP form or if it's foreshadowing a bigger problem with his left throwing arm.
Phillies fans better hope that Cole is just getting warmed up and that he won't need to be shutdown.
The only positive to come out of Hamels early exit was young J.A. Happ's 2.1 innings of one-hit, no-runs pitching.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phils went on to lose 10-3 to the Rockies.
Follow this story and more on NBC Philadelphia's Twitter page.
