Cole Hamels on Track to Make Start in Wednesday vs. Yankees

Phillies ace Cole Hamels had to be scratched from his scheduled start against the Cardinals on Friday, but he is on track to make his next scheduled start on Wednesday against the Yankees at Yankees Stadium.

Hamels told reporters he was certain he would be ready to go and that no trip to the disabled list would be needed.  The lefty had to be scratched from Friday's outing with a minor right hamstring strain, and will throw a bullpen session on Sunday.

"You can't afford to let Cole Hamels aggravate what could be a minor issue," Phillies broadcaster Gregg Murphy said on the Sports Bash Friday.  "You know the idea is to trade him if they can, if the right package comes along.  So my gut tells me it's just precautionary, as far as I understand it, they expect him to miss one start and be back for his next."

In the game, Phillippe Aumont struggled in place of Hamels, making his first major league start, giving up six runs on five hits and seven walks over four innings.

It was the same thing that has hunted Aumont his entire career - walks.

Aumont threw just 56 out of 105 pitches for strikes while giving up two home runs. The seven walks were a most for a Phillies starting pitcher since Paul Abbott issued nine walks on August 7, 2004.

"I worked hard," a disappointed Aumont said after the loss.  "I told myself in spring training I was going to go down there and work hard, so its disappointing to come out of the gate like that.  I know I can do it, I have done it many times, I'm just going to keep going forward."

(CSN Philly Phillies sideline reporter Gregg Murphy joined Mike Gill to talk Hamels, Phillies)