Despite bruised hand, Hamels to start Tuesday

TORONTO - After throwing a bullpen session without problem Sunday morning, lefthander Cole Hamels was deemed ready to start Tuesday by Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee.

After the injury occurred on Thursday against Boston, Hamels said he was confident he could make the start despite significant bruising on his right hand. Hamels' hand was wrapped when the team arrived in Toronto, and he waited an extra day before throwing his bullpen session.

But better his right hand than his left. Hamels was removed from his last start after four innings because Dubee was concerned about the pitcher's ability to defend himself on any other comebackers hit to him.

During the bullpen session, Hamels caught every return throw.

With an off day Thursday, the Phillies can skip Vance Worley's spot in the rotation to line up Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Hamels to pitch in the final weekend series of the first half against the second-place Atlanta Braves. Dubee said that scenario is likely.

In six June starts, Hamels had a 1.31 ERA with 32 strikeouts and six walks. He allowed only 27 hits in 41 1/3 innings.