Cole Hamels returned to the mound yesterday and threw three and two-thirds shutout innings in minor league game.  He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five.  His fastball only topped out at 86 MPH, but the speed will return.  No one expected Cole to throw real hard in his first return to the hill.

He said he felt great after the game, but how the elbow feels this morning will be telling.  As of now, all indicitions are Hamels will start the Phillies fourth game of the season in Colorado against the Rockies.

Since Hamels will not be ready for Opening Night, it’s looking more and more like Hamel’s recommendation, Brett Myers, will be getting the start.  Myers has had a good spring so far going 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA in three starts.  Although still early to tell, this spring Myers has looked a lot more like the pitcher who went 7-2 with a 1.80 ERA down the stretch last year, than the jumbled mess who was sent to minors in June to find his swagger.

Although the word is mum from Phillies camp, the remainder of the spring rotation is as follows (rotation courtesy of The Zo Zone):

3/26 – Carlos Carrasco
3/27 – Myers
3/28 – Jamie Moyer (w/J.A. Happ)
3/29 – Joe Blanton (w/Hamels)
3/30 – Chan Ho Park
3/31 – Myers

Given this current rotation, Myers next scheduled start would be against the Braves on April 5th, followed by Moyer, then Blanton.  Then as stated above, Hamels would then make his debut on April 10th against the Rockies.