CLEARWATER, Fla. – After being pushed around and having their lunch money stolen for most of the last week, the Phillies finally laid a whooping on someone Wednesday.
Cole Hamels and Chase Utley, two of the last vestiges of the team’s run of dominance in the NL East, were the standouts in a 9-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.
Hamels pitched six innings of one-run ball in his final tune-up before Monday’s opening day start against Boston.
Utley homered twice, giving him four in his last two games. Both homers came off Julio Teheran, who will be the Braves’ opening day starter.
“Chase continues to impress with his quick, short swing,” manager Ryne Sandberg said. “And Cole set a tone with a quality start.”
Hamels allowed just one run in his last 11 innings in camp.
“Coming out of spring training you just want to know that you’re healthy and everything is working,” the 31-year-old lefty said. “Right now I feel a lot more sharp than two weeks ago. I feel like I can throw all the pitches I need to.
“My mechanics feel good and health-wise I feel really strong this year. That builds up your confidence.
“It’s go time.”
How long Hamels will be going for the Phillies remains to be seen. He is the Phils' best trade chip as they look to replenish the organization with prospects.
Hamels has been linked to a number of teams as trade possibilities, none more than the team he will oppose Monday in Citizens Bank Park – the Red Sox.
Given his connection to the Red Sox and all the rumors, Hamels was asked if he expected it to feel odd facing that club.
“No,” he said. “I think we knew we were going to face the Red Sox when they came out with the schedule in September.
“This is where I am and this is what I’m doing. To be able to pitch at Citizens Bank Park – that’s kind of the vision I had. For what it is and for what people want to make it, it doesn’t affect me. I’m just happy I get to go pitch and get guys out and try to pitch a full season.
“I’m here to pitch and be accountable for what I do.”
Before Wednesday’s win over the Braves, the Phils had gone 0-6-1 in their previous seven games and been outscored 60-17.
Utley ready to go
Utley is fully recovered from an off-season sprained ankle. Sandberg took it easy with his second baseman in early March and Utley looks fresh and strong heading into the season. He is 13 for 29 (.448) with four homers and nine RBIs.
Sandberg will continue to watch Utley’s playing time during the season, especially when the weather heats up. Cesar Hernandez will likely be the guy to get time when Utley rests.
Utley has never been a fan of days off but at 36, “I understand they can be beneficial,” he said.
Health check
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is hopeful that Ken Giles will avoid a trip to the DL (see story).
Lefty reliever Mario Hollands is out with a tear in the flexor tendon in his left elbow.
“It’s likely that he will have surgery,” Amaro said.
The yet to be scheduled surgery would end Hollands’ season.
Up next
The Phillies close out their stay in Florida on Thursday with a 1 p.m. game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Jerome Williams will start for the Phillies.
Aaron Harang starts Friday night against Pittsburgh in Philadelphia. David Buchanan will start Saturday afternoon’s exhibition finale, also against the Pirates in Philadelphia.