Earlier on Sunday, Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News reported that the Philadelphia Phillies announced that Cole Hamels will be the team’s Opening Day starter.
This announcement was expected as Hamels is the Phillies best pitcher on the staff but who doesn’t like a bit of excitement. In Hamels’ latest Grapefruit League appearance three days ago against the Toronto Blue Jays, he threw five scoreless innings and struck out four batters. After that appearance, he looks ready to go on April 6, when the Phils take on the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day.
In five Grapefruit League games this Spring Training, Hamels has a 5.17 ERA with a record of 0-1 and 14 strikeouts over 15 2/3 innings pitched.
It will be interesting how Hamels pitches on Opening Day because he could be auditioning for a potential suitor in the Red Sox. The trade rumors will continue to swirl around the 31-year-old southpaw depending on how well he pitches this season.
Is it possible that Hamels will be moved by the trade deadline? Most certainly, but again, it depends on how he is looking and what the Phillies’ record is at that point. If Hamels is not pitching well then there will not be a lot of suitors, but if he pitches great then a playoff contending team will be reaching out to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. to possibly make a deal.
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