Brian Snitker talked to the media again on Thursday after the Braves’ second intrasquad scrimmage of Spring Training 2.0 and was asked about the latest update on Cole Hamels. Let’s just say, things aren’t looking as promising as they were a month ago. Snitker said there are no plans for Hamels to throw live BP this week, and we’re only about two weeks away from the season. As MLB.com’s Mark Bowman points out, even if the Braves move him to the back of the rotation and limit him to 2-3 innings in his first start, it’s beginning to look less likely that Hamels is ready for the start of the season.
Snit said Hamels is not scheduled to begin throwing live BP this weekend. Even if Hamels is put at the back of the rotation and slated to throw 2-3 innings his first start, he's running out of time to be deemed ready for the start of the season.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 9, 2020
This is pretty frustrating because Hamels suffered what was viewed as a minor shoulder injury right before Spring Training. With 162 games in front of them, the Braves decided to take things slow with the veteran, ensuring he would be ready when they needed him most.
Then, the coronavirus hit, giving the players three months off… and it seems Hamels still isn’t ready.
I don’t blame the Braves for taking things slow. In a 60-game season, a setback could leave them without Hamels for the entire season. However, it’s overwhelmingly apparent this shoulder injury was much more severe than initially reported. I don’t think anyone can say with confidence that he will be ready for the start of the season.
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