Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 11, 2017, in Anaheim, Calif. Cole Hamels makes his fourth start this season for Texas on Friday, April 21,, and the Rangers left-hander is still looking for his first decision when the Rangers host Kansas City. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
FRISCO, Texas (AP) -- Cole Hamels could be back in the Texas Rangers rotation as early as next week.
Hamels threw 81 pitches over 5 2/3 innings in his second injury rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Wednesday. His next start could come for the Rangers in Cleveland next week.
The earliest the veteran left-hander would start for the Rangers would be Monday, which would be exactly two months since his last start in the majors. He has been out since sustaining a right oblique strain while warming up and being a last-second scratch before his scheduled start May 2 at Houston.
Hamels allowed two hits and one run while striking out five and walking two against Midland.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister says Hamels was free and easy, and healthy.
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