In 2017, Cole Hamels missed two months with an oblique injury, so when he felt something against the Reds late in June the veteran pitcher knew to shut it down. This time around Hamels didn't expect to miss as much time as he did two years ago because he didn't push it. But right now, it seems like Hamels may have rushed back from his recent oblique injury even if he doesn't want to admit it.
Hamels left after one inning on June 28, and made the first of two rehab starts in the minors on July 23. He returned to the Cubs rotation on Aug. 3, and actually pitched well, throwing five scoreless innings against the Brewers.
However, in his last two starts, Hamels has failed to pitch more than three innings, allowing 12 earned runs on 17 hits in five innings of work. His latest blunder was in a homecoming in Philadelphia, where the Phillies chased Hamels after two innings.
But again, Hamels insists he's healthy.
But of course any player is going to want to help his team out. We've seen it with multiple pitchers already this season on the Cubs, pitching through injury and ultimately going on the injured list.
Why do some fans believe Hamels isn't actually good enough physically to be out there? Well, this quote by Joe Maddon certainly points to a guy who might not be fully back from an injury.
You know, there's a thing called the 10-day injured list. It's OK to use it because right now having Hamels try and work through "kinks of the injury" is hurting the Cubs.
Yu Darvish starts Thursday night. The Cubs will try to avoid a sweep before a three-game series against the Pirates this weekend.
