Phillies ace Cole Hamels, 23, has a strained elbow and will miss at least two starts, offsetting the good news that second baseman Chase Utley will soon return from the disabled list after breaking a bone in his right hand.
The left-handed Hamels (14-5, 3.50 ERA) will have an MRI exam after complaining of persistent soreness in his left elbow. He said he felt “unusual” soreness.
Utley, who wore protective padding under his batting glove, took his first fungo swings and hopes to take batting practice this week.
Extra innings
Giants right-hander Russ Ortiz has a torn tendon in his throwing elbow that will sideline him for the rest of the season. … The Astros activated outfielder Hunter Pence and put struggling starter Jason Jennings on the disabled list with a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. … Miguel Cabrera was back in the Marlins’ lineup a day after he arrived late for a game and was scratched. … The Braves released right-handed reliever Tanyon Sturtze, who has been unable to recover from shoulder surgery. … The Reds recalled pitcher Kirk Saarloos and optioned Phil Dumatrait to Triple-A Louisville. … The Nationals sent right-hander Emiliano Fruto to the Diamondbacks for prospect Chris Carter, who then was shipped to Boston to complete the deal that sent Wily Mo Pena to Washington.
