Cole Hamels will start on opening day for Phillies

Cole Hamels has been confirmed as the Phillies’ starting pitcher on their opening day fixture against Boston a week from Monday. It will mark the 31 year old’s second opening day start.

The 31-year-old lefty went 9-9 last year, hitting a career-best 2.46 ERA.

Hamels will be supported by Aaron Harang, David Buchanan and Jerome Williams. With the order of the last three still yet to be confirmed.

The Phillies will go with just four starting pitchers for the opening week, seeing Hamels pitch in games one and five having not yet determined who their fifth starter will be. Sean O’Sullivan and Kevin Slowey are rumoured to be in the running.