On Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox. Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels reached the milestone of 2.500 career strikeouts.
Hamels pitched seven innings, striking out eight, and only giving up one run. He got a no-decision in his outing. The Cubs lost game 3-1 on ninth inning two-run home by White Sox rookie Eloy Jimenez.
Over Hamels last four starts he has been outstanding. He pitched 29 innings and struck out 31 batters while allowing just one earned run. This season Hamels is 6-2 with a 2.98 ERA, 83 strikeouts and just 30 walks.
The Former Phillies has pitched well since coming over the Texas Rangers last season. Hamels was trades to Texas in 2015. He started out well there, he went 15-5 in 2016 with a 3.32 ERA and made an All-Star appearance. In his last couple of years in Texas, Hamels struggled with an ERA over four.
Since being traded to Chicago Hamels is 10-5 with a 2.68 ERA. He looks like the Cole Hamels 2011 and 2012.
If Hamels keep pitching well he could get consideration for the Hall of Fame. At 35 he is probably not in the conversation yet. But if he can keep pitching well and stay healthy he could get in the conversation. The former Rangers pitcher has a career record of 162-116 with a 3.38 ERA, and 2,500 strikeouts.
What could hurt Hamels is he does not have very many wins and only have four All-Star game appearances. Also, he does not have a Cy Young award. But what could help him is, Hamels was 4-0 in the 2008 postseason and won NLCS MVP and World Series MVP.
Even with those 2008 postseason number, Hamels still will have a tough time getting in the Hall of Fame. If he can continue to pitch well this season and maybe a couple after that. Hamels might be entering the conversation.
