Chicago Cubs: There’s no need to worry about Cole Hamels

On Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs continued their push toward clinching the National League Central. Unlike the previous two games, Arizona fought back, unloading on the opposing pitcher.

Let’s continue to point out that the Chicago Cubs finished 18-11 over the stretch of 20 plus games without a day off. With the help of multiple rain delays, their quest for another division title has been rough.

Despite the gruesome stretch of nonstop play, this team continues to fight. It doesn’t help that important pieces to their bullpen will be missed for the remainder of the season. Thankfully, starting pitching has been for the Cubs as of late.

Minus Cole Hamels’ most recent outing against the Diamondbacks Wednesday night. Which was difficult to watch and had some fans worried.

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We don’t have much time left during the regular season. In fact, there is a little over a week left before postseason play begins. So, fasten those seatbelts.

Now, back to Hamels and his start in Arizona. Prior to being shipped to the North Side, Cole found himself struggling in several appearances for the Texas Rangers. He had four games in which he allowed four or more runs.

Over the course of that stretch, Cole’s earned run average jumped from 3.74 to 4.72.

Oakland hammered Hamels for seven earned runs on nine hits on July 23. Shortly after, the Rangers traded the veteran to the playoff-hopeful Chicago Cubs

Making a Statement

Little did we know, Hamels would find his footing right off the bat. In his first appearance with the Cubbies, Cole yielded one earned run in a dominating win over the Pirates on Aug. 1.

Since then, the 34-year-old southpaw has allowed 17 earned runs on 50 hits while fanning 51 one and issuing 18 free passes. It is obvious that he is enjoying his time with the new club and has been pulling his own weight.

So, should fans be worried about his loss at the hands of the Dbacks in which he gave up seven on two homers? Absolutely not. Every pitcher in the league is going to have an off-day but it should be expected.

No one is going to dominate opposing hitters without experiencing a bump in the road. If you’re hitting the panic button over Hamels, relax.

Postseason statistics

Adding Hamels to Chicago’s damaged starting rotation was a smart move on behalf of the front office. Doing so provided Joe Maddon with an experienced pitcher who has won it all.

Dating back to 2007, Hamels has started 16 postseason games. Most of them with the Philadelphia Phillies where he’d eventually defeat Maddon in the World Series. When Chicago was making things interesting in the National League, Hamels got roughed up early on.

A short 3 1/3 outing highlighted by six earned runs on as many hits led to a 3-0 series sweep at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Leading up to potential Chicago playoff appearance, Hamels will carry a 7-6 record, 3.48 ERA, 92/26 K/BB ratio, and 1.09 postseason resume with him. Hopefully, like his debut with the Cubs, he’s able to get back to his old self.