So it looks like Roy Oswalt isn’t the only Phillies ace dealing with a balky back this season.
Lefty Cole Hamels left Tuesday night's 9-1 beat down of the Marlins with a tight back. Cole was seemingly cruising along until walking Wes Helms to lead off the eighth inning. After the pitch -- nowhere near the strike zone -- catcher Carlos Ruiz trotted out to the mound. Next thing you knew the whole infield, pitching coach Rich Dubee and trainer Mark Andersen were all out on the hill checking on Cole.
Cole would leave after a brief conversation. Reliever David Herndon came in to record the final six outs.
After the game instead of the focus being on Cole’s ninth win or on the offensive explosion (five homers) it was on Cole’s back. So would the lefty be ready for his next start?
“Oh yeah, yeah,” Hamels told reporters after the game.
His Macho Man-esque man declaration should have smoothed any worries of Hamels missing a turn but what else he said makes it seem that a few days off could be in order.
“I obviously don’t think it’s that smart to go out and try to compete and not being able to compete, obviously, at my best,” Hamels said. “I don’t want to hurt anything... I don’t want to come out of the game but at the same point I’d rather be smart.”
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Well this could be a wait and see situation. At least Cole said that the chiropractor was set to be in the clubhouse Wednesday -- so Cole at least should get the back loosened up.
