Los Angeles Dodgers possible landing spot for Cole Hamels
By David Hill
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to reach the postseason, they are in need of help in the rotation. Trevor Bauer is on administrative leave as he is being investigated regarding domestic violence claims. Dustin May is lost for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Clayton Kershaw is sidelined with forearm inflammation, and there has yet to be any indication as to how long he will be sidelined for. The Dodgers need help in the rotation.
That help could come from an unexpected place. Cole Hamels had his workout for interested teams on Friday, and the Dodgers are expected to be counted amongst them.
Cole Hamels was clocked at 88-90 mph in his workout for teams, and it would be a shock if the Dodgers aren't one of the interested teams. With Bauer situation, with Kershaw sidelined, LAD could sign him, build up his innings by late Aug./Sept., for stretch drive/October.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 17, 2021
Cole Hamels could be answer for Los Angeles Dodgers
It is not a surprise that Hamels remains unsigned at this point. He pitched in just one game last season due to injuries, allowing three runs on three hits and a walk in his 3.1 innings, striking out two batters. A tricpes injury delayed the start to his season, and a shoulder issue that occurred during his one outing had sidelined him for the rest of the year.
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If Hamels is healthy, he could be a solid piece for any contending team. He had been a workhorse over his first 14 years in the majors, surpassing the 200 inning mark nine times and had not thrown fewer than 130 innings in any of those years. A four time All Star over that span, he had established himself as one of the better pitchers in the game.
At 37 years old, it is fair to wonder how much Hamels has left in the tank. His velocity during his workout was not exactly impressive. However, he has an excellent knowledge of how to pitch and the ability to spot his pitches as needed. That veteran savvy and knowledge of his repertoire can overcome those velocity issues.
Hamels would be someone that a contending team could look at. Considering that it is already the middle of July, and it will take time before he is up to his normal workload, he may not be ready to be a weapon until sometime in September at the earliest. But if he can reach the 100 pitch mark by October, any team would be satisfied. For a team such as the Dodgers, whose once impressively deep rotation is now a question mark, Hamels could be a part of the answer.
Next. Bauer has thrown last pitch with Dodgers. dark
Cole Hamels appeared to be healthy during his workout on Friday. He could be an answer to the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching questions.