PHILADELPHIA — If Sunday was Cole Hamels’ final hurrah at Citizens Bank Park, he didn’t take much of it in.
Not only did the Philadelphia Phillies’ ace last just three innings, but the left-hander also didn’t give much thought to it potentially being a goodbye to the place he’s called home since 2006.
The Phillies are in full rebuild mode and Hamels is their prize trade chip with the July 31 deadline looming. His final start before the aforementioned date is at Wrigley Field on July 25.
But on Sunday, as he toed the rubber, he wasn’t dwelling on so longs or farewells.
“Truly, no,” Hamels said. “Just being able to try to bounce back from a start that’s not the best and I think that’ll be my next thought — trying to get back to what I’m capable of doing.”
In the Phillies’ 8-7 win over the Miami Marlins, Hamels followed up one of his worst career starts with another clunker, lasting just three innings and allowing five runs on eight hits.
Over an eight-start stretch from May 8 to June 14, Hamels allowed 14 earned runs in 57 1/3 innings (2.20 ERA). In his last two starts, he’s allowed 14 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings (19.91 ERA). On the season, he’s now 5-7 with a 3.91 ERA.
“I think when it really comes down to it, speculation and assumptions are I guess better news and it can become an exciting time or difficult times for others,” said Hamels, one of the hot commodities on this season’s trade market. “It is what it is. I know that being able to play the game of baseball and being able to pitch for this city, or for any city, I’m fortunate to be able to do so and I want to do it for as long as I possibly can and help whatever team.”
In 2002, the Phillies drafted Hamels No. 17 overall. In 2008, he was named World Series MVP of the franchise’s first championship since 1980. He’s been to three All-Star Games in a Phillies uniform. He’s never played anywhere else.
But with all that, he now knows the game of Major League Baseball.
“It’s a business,” Hamels said, “and I’m just happy enough I get to play in it.”
So, is there pressure to pitch well with deadline day lurking?
“No,” Hamels said. “I think my track record speaks for itself.”
That track record may have hit its final stop in Philadelphia.