Coming out of the All-Star Break in a near dead heat with the Mets and Marlins, we're greeted with the instant gratification of facing both of them right out of the chute. Why then, was Cole Hamels saved until the third game of the first series, ensuring that he wouldn't face the more imminent threat in the Mets? Had he started on Friday, the ace would have faced both teams.
Perhaps Charlie liked the idea of extended rest for one of the most used arms in baseball this year, and I'm just being a little impatient. It's a long season, and we'll need Hamels healthy down the stretch. But there's definitely a very real chance that this division could come down to a handful of games or less.
Hamels will face Florida's Josh Johnson in his second start since undergoing TJ last year. Johnson was impressive in 2006, getting the W in 12 of his 24 starts. He turned in a 3.10 ERA that season, and lost three of four starts in 2007 before getting hurt. He returned to action July 10th against the Dodgers, throwing five innings and allowing three earned runs on six hits and six Ks.
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Johnson has started twice against the Phillies and appeared in two other contests. In 14 innings, he's allowed nine earned runs, good for a 5.52 ERA. The Phils have hit .290 against him.