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Here’s why David Dahl changed his number ahead of Cole Hamels retirement night

David Dahl is switching numbers. (Grace Del Pizzo/PhilliesNation)

David Dahl has indeed changed from No. 35 to No. 31 the day before the Philadelphia Phillies honor Cole Hamels, but it’s not a precursor to the franchise retiring the former ace’s number Friday.

Phillies Nation learned Thursday that Dahl volunteered to switch the number out of respect for Hamels. A year ago when Hamels was trying to make a comeback with the San Diego Padres, he spent some time rehabbing with Dahl, who appeared in four games with the team in 2023. Jim Salisbury of PHLY also reported this.

So this wasn’t like Andrew Knapp agreeing to give up Nos. 34 and No. 15 because they were about to be retired by the Phillies. There will be no surprise number retirement at Hamels’ retirement ceremony Friday, just a night spent honoring one of the greatest pitchers that has ever played for the team.

Who knows what will happen down the road, as Hamels is one of two World Series MVPs in franchise history, and is widely considered to be the second-best left-handed pitcher in Phillies history, behind only Hall of Famer Steve Carlton. Seemingly, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins would be first in line, but it’s not impossible that the Phillies will one day decide to honor Hamels beyond just his eventual Wall of Fame induction.

What is worth noting is that the Phillies have not reissued Howard, Utley or Rollins’ numbers since they last played for the Phillies. Hamels’ No. 35 has been worn by Dahl, Drew Ellis and Óscar Mercado since he last played for the Phillies. Then again, five players — A.J. Burnett, Aaron Harang, A.J. Ellis, Brett Oberholtzer and Knapp — all wore No. 34 after Halladay, and the Phillies eventually retired it anyway.

The Phillies will wear a patch honoring Hamels on their City Connect uniforms Friday evening against the Arizona Diamondbacks.