Rangers make a switch, Hamels to get three more starts
The Texas Rangers tweaked their starting rotation once again so ace Cole Hamels will have a chance to make three more starts before the regular season comes to a close.
MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reported on Tuesday that the club moved Hamels' next start up a day - he'll now pitch on Thursday against the Oakland Athletics rather than Friday against the Houston Astros. This allows for Hamels to then pitch again next Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers as well as the season's final game on Sunday, October 4 against the Los Angeles Angels.
Of course, the Rangers would also be able to skip him in the final game if they've already locked up a postseason spot. That way he'd be able to take the mound for the first game of the postseason, whether in Game 1 of an ALDS series or in the Wild Card game.
This decision prevents Hamels from making a start in this weekend's huge series at Houston's Minute Maid Park. Manager Jeff Banister clarified the team's goals in speaking with Sullivan: "This is an opportunity to have him for three starts. All games matter, not just those three [against the Astros]. It's about taking care of what we need to every day."
As for Hamels, he conceded that it's up to him to get things done whenever he's called upon to make a start: "I don't care about my individual record as long as I keep us in the game and do the best job I can," Hamels told Sullivan. "As long as you win, that's what being a good teammate is about: Doing your job and not for your own glory."
With the Rangers alone in first place, they have the luxury of setting their rotation however they see fit...and they're doing just that with their clear-cut No. 1 as the postseason draws closer and closer.