Former Phillies ace Cole Hamels won’t pitch for the Dodgers after all

Former Philadelphia Phillies star Cole Hamels, who signed a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this month, will not pitch this year after all.

Numerous members of the media have confirmed that Hamels is being placed on the 60-day IL after experiencing arm pain.

The Dodgers confirmed it soon after.

As the corresponding roster move, the Dodgers selected the contract of another veteran, Neftalí Feliz. In a weird twist of fate, Feliz most recently pitched for the Phillies, posting a 36.00 ERA over two appearances this season. They designated him for assignment and he became a free agent in early July.

It’s hard to see Hamels coming back from this. He signed a deal with the Atlanta Braves for the 2020 season, and only pitched in one game for them. It cost them around $9 million after the shortened season reduced players’ salaries. The Dodgers are only on the hook for $1 million, but it’s a blow nonetheless.

Hamels turns 38 in December, and it’s hard to see another team taking a chance on him after the way this season and last turned out. But if this is the end of his career, it’s quite a sad one. No one wants to see the four-time All-Star, NLCS and World Series MVP and champion come to this.

It’s rare for a player to get to end their career on their terms, but there was hope that Hamels would make a comeback this season and be one of the lucky ones.