The MLB rumors are buzzing now that Spring Training is underway as MLB fans gear up for the season. Opening day is just a week away, and one pitcher is already unhappy about his situation and may be heading to elsewhere. Also, with games comes injuries, see which player might be headed to the disabled list and who is done for the season. Here are the latest MLB news and rumors you need to know:
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Cole Hamels To The Phillies?
The Texas Rangers are contemplating using a six-man rotation this season in order to lessen the load on Mike Minor at Matt Busch, but Cole Hamels is none too happy about the team potentially making that move.
“It’s not part of baseball," Hamels said. "I know that’s the new, analytical side, trying to re-invent the wheel. ... that’s just not what MLB is to me. That’s not how I learned from my mentors. That’s not the way I’m geared to pitch.”
With Hamels showing his frustration with the Rangers, this led ESPN's Bradford Doolittle to write Way-too-early MLB trade deadline preview. Doolittle states that Hamels is a potential trade target for the Philadelphia Phillies in July.
The Phillies' offseason work extended well into spring training and might not be finished yet, as they still look like a good fit for one of the remaining veteran free-agent starters. Yes, that's true even after last week's splashy signing of former Cubs ace Jake Arrieta. The signing allowed the Phillies to jump over the threshold between sellers and buyers into what could turn out to be what Scott Boras -- Arrieta's agent -- likes to call "Playoffville." If the Phillies ended up in the seller group, it wouldn't have made much difference, as they have virtually nothing in the way of expiring contracts to be moved. Maybe that's as good a sign as any that the slow-burning rebuild is finally coming to fruition. Indeed, things seem to be percolating in Philadelphia.
Hamels heading back to Philadelphia is merely speculation at this point, but not totally out of the realm of possibility. Hamels went 11-6 with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP in 26 starts last season.
Carlos Carrasco Injury Update
Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco left his Cactus League start against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday after a line drive hit him in the leg. According to Jordan Bastian, Carrasco exited with a left foot contusion and is day-to-day.
Carrasco allowed six earned runs on nine hits and a walk over 4 2/3 innings. He is expected to be just fine for the Indians regular season.
The 31-year-old had a great 2017 campaign with an 18-6 record and a 3.29 ERA over 200 innings pitched.
David Phelps Out For The Season?
Seattle Mariners relief pitcher David Phelps had a bone spur removed from his elbow in September and was easing back into throwing in late February. Phelps appeared in relief on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels and appeared to suffer an injury in his right arm.
On Wednesday Mariners beat writer Ryan Divish reported that Phelps was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow and will require season-ending Tommy John surgery. The injury reportedly happened on his last pitch against the Angels on Saturday.
With Phelps out for the season, the Mariners will likely need to add another arm to the bullpen. The 31-year-old has dealt with arm issues in the past and is coming off a season where he had a 3.40 ERA and appeared in 54 games.
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