Hamels sharp in what should be final rehab outing

In what was likely his final tune up before he returns from the disabled list, lefty starter Cole Hamels looked sharp in a rehab appearance with the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers on Thursday night.

In a contest at Clearwater’s Brighthouse Field, Hamels went seven innings against Lakeland (Tigers affiliate), allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out two and walking one.  The 30-year-old threw 87 pitches, 57 of which were strikes.

The Threshers failed to take advantage of the strong effort by Hamels, as they dropped the match up 2-1.  The run given up by Hamels was a solo homer to OF Connor Harrell, who entered the game sporting a .100 batting average.  Harrell was a 31st round draft selection by Detroit in 2012.

Hamels surrendered four earned runs in 17 innings (2.12 ERA) over three starts with the Threshers in recent weeks.

Sidelined for much of the spring with biceps tendinitis in his throwing arm, Hamels is expected to return to the Phillies’ rotation next Tuesday or Wednesday, against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

In his career at Dodger Stadium Hamels has a 3-0 record and a 2.54 ERA in four starts, including the postseason.