Hamels Needs to Pitch Sunday

Cole Hamels is the ace of the Phillies pitching staff, the kind of pitcher you want to see on the mound in meaningful games in September.  While every game is as important as the next, there are games that can make or break a season.  The Phillies have a huge series against the division-leading Mets — who currently sit 2 games in front of the Phillies in the NL East — looming this weekend.  For Hamels to get the ball in that series, he would need to be moved up in the rotation, though with an off-day on Thursday, he would still be pitching on “normal” rest.  To me, this is a no-brainer.  You pitch Hamels on Sunday, skipping Kyle Kendrick, who has struggled in his past three starts.

It would appear that Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee agree.  Before last night’s 4-0 victory over the Washington Nationals, both said they would prefer to pitch Hamels on Sunday night.  They hinted that their decision would hinge on how Hamels looked in his start last night.  He sure looked good to me, pitching an efficient 7.1 innings without allowing a run, while throwing just 104 pitches.  After the game, Charlie Manuel reaffirmed his desire to have Hamels pitch on Sunday.  Cole Hamels, however, didn’t sound so excited about the idea, basically saying he’d prefer to wait until after Friday’s game before making a decision either way.

Look, I respect the fact that Cole Hamels has a very laid back attitude.  I think that helps him remain composed on the mound in just about any situation.  I also understand that the 203 innings he has pitched so far this year are the most he’s ever thrown in his career and — given his injury history — you have to be concerned about him “breaking down”.  But he is the ace of the Phillies staff, and you want your ace to demand the ball in key games.  Sunday’s game is huge, as a victory would represent a two-game swing in the standings.  The bottom line is Cole Hamels needs to pitch on Sunday.