Rangers notes: Cole Hamels to miss start with groin issue

Cole Hamels will miss his scheduled start on Thursday because of a sore left groin. The issue first arose in the fourth inning of Hamels’ last start on Friday in Seattle. Hamels and Rangers manager Jeff Banister don’t expect Hamels to miss more than one start.

Banister is mulling his options to fill the spot in the rotation, which include calling up Chi Chi Gonzalez or Anthony Ranaudo from Triple A Round Rock for a spot start or moving up the rotation a day and having Martin Perez start Thursday and Colby Lewis start Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Park. General manager Jon Daniels said the club was leaning toward using Gonzalez or Ranaudo.

Hamels, who missed a start in June with a hamstring issue, alerted the Rangers out of caution.

“Understanding the situation and where the team is and the position we’re at and obviously what I’d like to do here,” Hamels said, referring to the Rangers’ postseason hopes.

“I want to be able to play a good part, but knowing that if I’m not able to do that at 100 percent or as close as possible and jeopardize the bullpen. I’m trying to be smart and missing a game as opposed to not being able to pitch very well for the remainder” of the season.

Hamels tried to pitch through the groin on Friday but it hindered his stride on the mound. The next day it was really sore. Hamels said leg issues are rare for him. He asserted that the extra adrenaline from joining the Rangers from the Phillies at the trade deadline could have contributed to him putting more stress on it than usual.

Team physician Dr. Keith Meister will look at him Friday in Arlington. Hamels will throw his normal bullpen session on Saturday and reassess how it feels.

Kela returns

Rookie reliever Keone Kela was recalled from Double A Frisco before Tuesday’s game after 10 days of physical and mental rest. Kela threw two innings for Frisco, allowing one hit and striking out two.

Luke Jackson, who was called up on Friday from Triple A Round Rock, was optioned back to the Express.

Jackson did not pitch for the Rangers. Still, Banister said, the experience will benefit Jackson if he’s called back up on Sept. 1, especially if the Rangers are still in contention.

“I think it’s invaluable. Would I have liked to get Luke into a game? Absolutely. But I’m not going to force a guy into a game,” he said. “He’ll be better off for it next time.”

Kela was eager to return, but understood the need for some rest after making 49 appearances, a high among rookies this season.

“I’m just grateful to be back and now I get to excel through the season and not just get through it,” he said.

Briefly

▪ Yu Darvish (Tommy John surgery) is scheduled to see team physician Keith Meister this week for his five-month checkup. If he’s ready he’ll begin a throwing program.

▪ Left-hander Derek Holland (left shoulder strain) may need an additional rehab start beyond Friday’s with Frisco, Daniels said. Holland will be evaluated after Friday to determine whether he’s ready to rejoin the Rangers.

▪ Catchers Robinson Chirinos (strained left shoulder) and Carlos Corporan (sprained left thumb) played catch Tuesday in Arlington. Chirinos took some swings off a tee. Both are progressing, Daniels said.

▪ Right-hander Tanner Scheppers began his rehab assignment Tuesday with Double A Frisco.

▪ Right-hander Nick Tepesch, who has been injured since the start of the season, is scheduled to see Meister one more time before likely having surgery to repair Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

This story was originally published August 11, 2015 at 7:58 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: Cole Hamels to miss start with groin issue."