Another member of the 2008 Phillies is scheduled to return to town
Former Phillies ace Cole Hamels has reportedly been traded to the Chicago Cubs for lower-level prospects, sending him to his third team since 2015.
Chicago will play a three-game series in Philadelphia from August 31-September 2, giving Hamels a solid chance to face the Phillies for the first time since being traded.
Hamels hasn’t pitched a game in Citizens Bank Park since July 19, 2015 when he faced the Marlins. That game would be his second to last start in red pinstripes before being traded to the Rangers for a package of prospects that included Nick Williams and Jorge Alfaro.
Ironically, Hamels’ final start with Philadelphia was a no-hitter against his new team, the Cubs.
More from Phillies News
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
- Could Rich Hill become ‘Jamie Moyer 2.0’ in Phillies rotation?
- Does Bailey Falter have a future in Phillies’ rotation?
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
A potential Hamels return would be the second major player from the 2008 World Series to return to Philadelphia this year. Chase Utley’s farewell tour ran through South Philadelphia this week during a three-game Dodgers series.
Both returns will bookend the 2008 10th anniversary celebration that will take place next weekend. Nineteen players from the 2008 team are scheduled to be in attendance along with six coaches and front office members.
In other 2008 champions news, J.A. Happ was traded from the Blue Jays to the Yankees Thursday afternoon. Toronto received Brandon Drury and prospect Billy McKinney from New York in that deal.
Now Philadelphia fans wait for their front office to get a deal done despite the offense and starting pitching coming to life early in the Reds series. Perhaps the only deals Matt Klentak needs to make are for a reliever and a better outfielder off the bench.