Phillies standout left-hander Cole Hamels returned to the mound for his first game action of the spring Thursday and came away encouraged, per MLB.com.
Hamels, who has been dealing with left shoulder inflammation, pitched in a minor league game against the Pirates Class A affiliate. He allowed two singles and recorded nine outs. Hamels threw 20 of 30 pitches for strikes.
He will break camp with the Phillies but soon thereafter return to Clearwarter to continue his rehab. He is expected to pitch for the big league team sometime in late April.