By Jack Ryan
Talk about putting the cart before the horse!
The Phillies have moved back Cole Hamels’ next start to Friday night against the Atlanta Braves.
Hamels, who no-hit the Cubs this past Saturday, had been scheduled to start Thursday against the Braves.
However, with the non-waiver trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Friday and with Hamels the most sought-after starter on the market, the Phillies opted to play it safe.
In Saturday’s no-hitter, Hamels threw a season-high 129 pitches. So the extra day between starts also provides him with an additional day of rest.
In 20 starts this season, Hamels is 6-7 with a 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 128 2/3 innings.
