The Dodgers had hoped Cole Hamels would have more gas in his tank, but the southpaw was placed on the 60-day disabled list Monday, ending his season before the veteran even threw his first pitch.
Hamels threw a mock game Aug. 7 at Dodger Stadium. He was scheduled to complete two innings, but after the first, he had a long conversation with pitching coach Mark Prior, manager Dave Roberts and a couple of other management members.
Hamels returned to the mound after the conversation and did a few warm-up pitches. Matt Beaty, who was hitting in the simulated game, stood at the plate awaiting the start of Hamels’ second inning. But after the pitches to warm up, Hamels returned to second base for another conversation and from there he went to the cave.
After the simulated game, the Dodgers said cutting Hamels’ job to one inning was part of the plan. But he didn’t pitch again after feeling pain in his arm. The Dodgers must pay the left-hander $ 1 million.
Losing Hamels is another blow to the depth of the Dodgers’ pitching, but that doesn’t necessarily change the club’s plans, which hopes to have Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin and Danny Duffy back sometime in September.
Hamels, 37, appeared in only one game for the Braves in 2020, but a shoulder injury ended his season. The monticular hoped to return to the majors with the Dodgers, but it will not be in 2021. (MLB in Spanish)