Recent news of Cole Hamels is more stocking worthy than fan worthy since the Philadelphia Phillies' ace led the Phils to their first World Series Championship since 1980 back in October.
After a few freak incidents kept the 25-year old off the job, you'd think his MVP-type endorsements were shifting from athletic apparel and cereal boxes to the ideal face for health insurance.
So it’s no surprise that Todd Zelecki of MLB.com is reporting the southpaw might miss another scheduled start Tuesday night when the Phillies visit St. Louis.
Not-so-perfect timing for a not-so-perfect Philadelphia rotation whose 5.64 ERA is a National League worst.
Hamels did toss a bullpen session on Saturday, reporting the arm was not an issue. It's the fielding.
"That was the big concern: playing my position," Hamels said. "Having to run. I know I can put down a bunt, but I still have to run to first base. I just can't put down a bunt and walk to the dugout. And if I was on another team, I would be bunting to me a couple times, just to see how I do. I need to take some grounders and cover first. That's a big key."
The team isn’t risking the fate of its franchise pitcher and his return may be later rather than sooner.
After getting rocked in his last two outings, the Cole Train slowed to a chug again. After suffering inflammation of the elbow in Spring Training, a Prince Fielder line drive to the left arm abruptly ended his April 23 start against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Hamels recovered quickly tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings before spraining his left ankle last Tuesday trying to field a bunt against the Washington Nationals.
Ironically, it was Hamels’ (0-2, 7.27 ERA) best start of a derailed season.
While the recent tumble has knocked him out of the rotation it might be a blessing in disguise.
The time off will give Hamels, who has taken a Manny Paquiao style beating this season, some much needed rest for a potential start against division rival Atlanta this Friday.
Philadelphia is currently a half game behind the Marlins for first, with the Braves just two and a half games back.
Joe Blanton takes the hill in the series opener Monday. Brettt Myers starts in Hamels' place Tuesday at Busch Stadium.
Chan Ho Park goes up against the Mets Wednesday and Hamels' mentor, Jamie Moyer, gets the nod for Thursday.
If Hamels is a no-go for Friday it looks like J.A. Happ will take his place.
Until Friday, the saga continues…
