MLB PLAYER NEWS

Phillies’ Mackanin thinks it’s ‘probable’ Hamels traded

The Sports Xchange

July 02, 2015 at 2:25 am.

Cole Hamels could be in another uniform sometime this season. Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

PHILADELPHIA — Pete Mackanin said he didn’t have the inside scoop, but he does have a feeling.

The Philadelphia Phillies’ interim manager was the asked million-dollar question before his team lost the Milwaukee Brewers 9-5 on Wednesday night.

Will left-hander Cole Hamels be traded?

“I would think that would be probable,” Mackanin said. “I can’t speak for (general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.) and anyone else involved in making that deal. We’re not involved on the field. But the whole point of this year basically is to see young guys, help us get ready for next year and beyond.”

The Phillies own the worst record in the major leagues at 27-53 and are in full rebuild mode. On Monday, they hired a new president for the 2016 season in Andy MacPhail. It was one change of many more expected.

Philadelphia expects to busy at the July 31 trade deadline as it has veteran pieces that can help contending teams while it focuses on future seasons.

Hamels is the Phillies’ prize, but they have other valuables.

“If we can get good deals for Hamels and good deals for whomever else there might be out there, (Jonathan) Papelbon,” Mackanin said. “There might be a team that will come after Ben Revere or after Jeff Francoeur. We’re not sure about anything so we’re going to have to wait and see what develops.”

Another is right-hander Aaron Harang. Philadelphia signed the 37-year-old to a one-year deal this offseason. He posted a 1.93 ERA in his first 10 starts, but has since struggled.

On Wednesday night, he allowed eight runs in five innings to lose his eighth consecutive start, the first Phillie to do so since Jim Nash in 1972. He’s also now 0-7 with a 7.53 ERA in his last seven outings, damaging his trade stock.

“They swung at everything I threw up there,” Harang said of the Brewers, who collected a season-high 17 hits in the win. “One of those baffling games where you don’t really know what’s going on.”

Who knows what’s next for Harang or others on the trading block.