MLB notes: Rangers count on Cole Hamels to keep season alive
The Texas Rangers have won their last 11 games started by Cole Hamels.
They needed each of those victories to get this far, and their season will be over without another one Wednesday against Toronto in the decisive Game 5 of the A.L. Division Series in Toronto.
“It’s why you go out and get top performers, elite competitors … situations exactly like this,” manager Jeff Banister said Tuesday. “That’s a comforting feeling that we’ve got a guy on the mound that’s going to go for us that has been here, has done it, and is quite capable of continuing to do it.”
Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, will be pitching in a winner-take-all game for the first time when he goes against Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman in a rematch of Game 2 of the ALDS. The Rangers won 6-4 in 14 innings Friday when both starters pitched seven innings and departed with the score 4-4.
“Who else would you rather have on the mound when you have to win a game than your ace,” catcher Chris Gimenez said. “The fact that he has been there before is really, I think, the biggest confidence boost.”
Hamels is 7-4 with a 3.05 ERA in 14 postseason starts.
Utley appeal scheduled Monday
A person familiar with Chase Utley’s appeal says the hearing for the Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman has been scheduled for Monday.
The timing means Utley will be eligible to play in the deciding Game 5 against the Mets on Thursday.
Utley did not play in Game 3 or 4.