Cole Hamels Is Officially Out for the Phillies' Season Opener

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Left-hander Cole Hamels will not start opening night at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Brett Myers or fellow righty Joe Blanton will make the start instead.

Pitching coach Rich Dubee and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel announced Monday afternoon they decided not to pitch the 2008 World Series MVP this Sunday against the Braves. 

Hamels, who has an inflamed left elbow, pitched four innings Monday and threw 65 pitches in a minor league spring game. He allowed 10 hits, three runs, a walk, and struck out five Triple-A Yankee players.

Hamels was asked if he felt he was not ready because of the hits he allowed Monday. Hamels laughed and said "Come on guys, not a big deal; it's the minor leagues."

Hamels then went on to say he needs to work out a few things before he starts for Philadelphia. "In the majors, those guys are a little smarter and more patient; they would send 10 changeups over the fence." 

Hamels is expected to be ready April 10 against the Rockies in Denver.

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