Cole Hamels Injury: Updates on Rangers Star's Groin and Return

Texas Rangers star pitcher Cole Hamels' third start with his new team was delayed because of a groin injury. 

However, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirmed Hamels will start on Monday against the Seattle Mariners. He made his second start with the team back on Aug. 7. 

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reported on Aug. 13 the Rangers were hoping Hamels would be ready to return early next week.

"That's my expectation," general manager Jon Daniels said, per Sullivan. "We'll know more when he throws this weekend. He has shown some improvement so we're hoping he can start on Monday."

The veteran southpaw has proved to be plenty durable during his decorated MLB career, missing just one start this season in June because of a mild right hamstring strain.

Hamels has made at least 30 starts in each of the past seven seasons. Unless this setback proves to be something major, Texas can likely expect him to be good to go again soon enough.

What had been a trying 2015 campaign for Hamels changed drastically when the Philadelphia Phillies dealt him to the Rangers just before the trade deadline. The rare, legitimate move by Texas to patch up its starting pitching gave Hamels a sudden chance to go to the postseason.

Since arriving in Arlington, though, Hamels has posted a 5.93 ERA in two starts. If the club can just reach the playoffs, there's reason to believe he can help the Rangers get over the hump should he draw on the form that garnered him 2008 World Series MVP honors.

Sitting 2.5 games out of the last wild-card spot heading into Saturday night's game, the Rangers have a ways to climb in the standings and could use valuable, quality starts from Hamels to help the cause. At least his ailment seems rather minor, but it's vital for Hamels and Yovani Gallardo to be healthy as Texas prepares for a playoff push.