Cole Hamels' Season Over Before It Began

Cole Hamels just pulled off the heist of the century, but he likely wouldn’t see it that way. After signing with the Dodgers less than two weeks ago to shore up the end of the rotation, Hamels landed on the 60-day IL, effectively ending his season and likely his career.

For his two weeks of ‘work,’ Hamels will pocket $1 million of a $3.05 million contract. The 37-year-old former All-Star also dealt with arm issues last season with the Atlanta Braves, which limited him to one start. This summer, he had positioned himself as a veteran option for a contending team chasing a ring. The Dodgers ‘won’ the Cole Hamels sweepstakes, as they desperately need some pitching depth for their injury-ridden staff (Trevor Bauer is also still not playing while on administrative leave).

Manager Dave Roberts said Hamels was practicing in Arizona when his arm “didn’t respond well,” although Roberts wasn’t sure whether the inflammation occurred during a bullpen session or throwing to hitters. Roberts didn’t elaborate on the specific injury.

“We’re just sad for Cole because he did everything he could to put himself in a position to get back on a major league team and pitch major league innings,” Roberts said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”

Hamels has been steady for fifteen years, now likely retiring with a career 163-122 record and 2,560 strikeouts. He won a World Series with Philadelphia in 2008, and also took home the WS MVP that postseason, too.

“All the stuff that we had leading up to us courting him, watching other teams court him, our scouts and everyone felt really good about it,” Roberts added. “It’s an easy bet on the player, the person and what he’s done.”

Cover photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty