Hamels throws BP, eyes return at end of April

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Cole Hamels remains about a month behind schedule, but the Phillies hope he could rejoin the rotation before the end of April.

He threw a live batting practice session Saturday morning at Bright House Field. He threw two simulated innings of 15 pitches each. He said earlier this week he would throw two BP sessions before he pitched in a game.

"I feel great," Hamels said. "Just all the progressions I've been able to make for the last week and a half have definitely been positive. ... I think we're just looking kind of how I respond in the next couple days and getting bullpen reps and seeing where and what they want to do."

Hamels opened camp in February about two weeks behind schedule because of inflammation in his left shoulder. He had been progressing nicely once he started throwing again, until he had a setback on March 1, saying he felt fatigue in his left arm. That pushed him back further, but since he restarted his throwing program recently he has been fine.

"Oh, of course," said Hamels, asked if he is more optimistic he could be back earlier than he thought two weeks ago.

Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure seemed encouraged with what he saw Saturday.

"Ball was coming out of his hand really well," he said. "Crisp, real clean. Didn't hold back on any pitches. Had velocity and life. I was really happy with it. He's had no issues of late. I don't expect any either. We're pretty stoked about it."

If Hamels can rejoin the rotation before the end of April, it would be a big boost for the Phillies. They need plenty of things to be close to perfect to compete this season.

"If everything goes as scheduled, I would think towards the end of the month there," McClure said of Hamels' potential return. "Somewhere in the last week, I would think so."