Hamels scratched, likely to miss just one start

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Rangers have scratched left-hander Cole Hamels from Thursday's start against the Twins because of a sore left groin muscle. The Rangers will most likely call up either Chi Chi Gonzalez or Anthony Ranaudo from Triple-A Round Rock to start instead.

Hamels said the muscle felt very sore when he woke up on Saturday. The Rangers are not considering putting Hamels on the disabled list, but they do expect him to miss one start.

Hamels said he felt the groin begin to bother him in the fourth inning of Friday's start against the Mariners. He tried to pitch through it but couldn't hold a 3-1 lead. Instead, he allowed a run in the fifth and two in the sixth inning of a 4-3 loss.

"That's what I don't want to happen again," Hamels said.

"It's not something you want to happen, especially when I have been feeling good all year. I understand the situation, where the team is at and what I want to do here. I want to play a good part in this, but if I'm not able to do that close to 100 percent, I don't want to jeopardize the team or the bullpen. So we'll play it out, be smart and miss a game."

The Rangers, whose acquisition of Hamels from the Phillies was finalized on July 31, said Hamels had a similar issue with his left hamstring in June and missed only one start. He will likely throw a bullpen session on Saturday, and that could determine when he'll pitch again.

"My level of concern sits with him," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "He doesn't seem too concerned."

Gonzalez is scheduled to pitch Wednesday for Round Rock and Ranaudo is scheduled for Thursday. Both have pitched with the Rangers this season.

Gonzalez was 2-4 with a 3.74 ERA in seven starts for the Rangers, while Ranaudo was 0-1 with a 7.63 ERA in two starts and two relief appearances.