Texas Rangers scratch Cole Hamels from Thursday start
By Thomas Cuda
The Texas Rangers have scratched Cole Hamels from his scheduled Thursday start at Minnesota. Hamels has a strained groin according to reports.
More from Texas Rangers
- Texas Rangers: Josh Jung breaks thumb, Jonathan Ornelas to be called up
- Stock Up, Stock Down: MLB trade deadline winners and losers
- MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale
- Stock Up, Stock Down: Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers
- What we got right and wrong about 3 surprising and disappointing MLB teams
Hamels’ performance has been lackluster for the Rangers since being sent over from the Phillies — he currently owns an 0-1 record with a 5.93 ERA in two starts for Texas. Hamels was tagged for three homers in his last start while giving up four runs over six innings.
It appears that the groin injury has led to some control issues for Hamels, though the Rangers seem to believe he’ll only miss one start with the injury. Texas will likely start Anthony Ranaudo or Chi Chi Gonzalez in his place on Thursday.
Gonzalez will most likely take Hamels’ place in the rotation if he missed an extended period of time. If Hamels does have to hit the shelf, it’ll be a significant loss for a team whose general manager said Tuesday is gunning for the division. Another option for the Rangers long term include the oft injured Derek Holland, who thinks he is one rehab start away from making a major league return.
Next: Toronto Blue Jays looking at outfield, pitching in trade market
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals