Braves get positive injury update on Cole Hamels

The Atlanta Braves’ free agent acquisition is nearing his debut

This past winter, the Atlanta Braves went on a spending spree after getting eliminated by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. One of their big gets was former Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Cole Hamels to be their top of the rotation option. He hasn’t had the best of luck due to a variety of injuries suffered in spring training and summer camp.

On Sunday, FOX Sports’ Kelly Crull spoke with Hamels, who revealed that he’s been cleared for upper and lower body exercises. Additionally, he said he’s planning on throwing a bullpen session either at the end of this week or the beginning of next week.

Hamels set to come off injured list by September

In addition to the aforementioned details, Hamels has been throwing at 120-feet on flat ground. The ultimate goal is for Hamels to be taken off the injured list by September, just in time for the Braves to make a push for the postseason.

2020 wasn’t too kind to Hamels when it comes to injuries. He walked into spring training with a sore shoulder, stemming from an injury suffered in at-home workouts. Then, once the MLB and MLB Players Association agreed to terms on a 2020 season, Hamels picked up triceps tendinitis during Atlanta’s summer camp. As a result, the former World Series champion was placed on the 45-day injured list.

The Braves need Hamels more than ever. Atlanta designated Mike Foltynewicz for assignment after a poor showing in his lone start of the season. Last week, young stud pitcher Mike Soroka suffered a torn Achilles tendon after awkwardly fielding a ball during a game against the New York Mets.

Braves fans needed this update, but they must remain patient with Hamels’ recovery. If all goes well, expect to see him make his Braves debut in September.