After making just one start for the playoff-bound Atlanta Braves in 2020, veteran left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels has been placed on the 10-day injured list with more shoulder problems, a move which has ruled him out for the rest of the regular season and playoffs.
Hamels joined the Braves on a one-year, $18 million free-agent contract with the Braves prior to this season. He was expected to provide quality veteran experience to an Atlanta rotation full of young pieces and was expected to be one of the team’s strong points.
However, a shoulder strain caused Hamels to not make his Braves debut until September 17th after suffering the injury in Spring Training.
After making just one three-inning outing, Hamels reported more discomfort in his throwing shoulder over the weekend and will no longer be a part of the Braves’ playoff plans.
The Hamels news is a tough pill to swallow for the Braves, who have lost Mike Soroka and Cole Hamels due to injury, Felix Hernandez due to a COVID-19 opt-out, and Sean Newcomb and Mike Foltynewicz due to poor performance in the shortened season.
The World Series hopefuls will now be forced to rely on Max Fried along with a handful of unproven options as they gear up to begin their playoff run next week.
