Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., expressed a lack of concern about the long-term ramifications of the shoulder issues Cole Hamels has experienced, claiming that his ace starter could be ready for the start of the regular season if rushed back. But the Phillies are not about to do that.
"If we wanted to push him tell him to get ready for Opening Day, we could probably do that," he told The News Journal. "But what's the point?"
The brave face could be hiding a more serious problem. Hamels experienced shoulder discomfort last offseason and began the year 2-9 with a 4.58 ERA and finished 8-14 with a 3.60 ERA. He has already stated that he won't be ready to open the year.