Cole Hamels Being Skipped Due to Shoulder Fatigue, Craig Kimbrel Activated

The Cubs announced Thursday that Cole Hamels was being skipped in the rotation due to shoulder fatigue. He’s apparently been dealing with it for the last several weeks, which would explain the disappointing results he’s gotten since returning from the IL with an oblique issue. Of course, having those bad results while pitching through acknowledged shoulder issues raises all kinds of questions.

https://twitter.com/mlbastian/status/1174794467209043968?s=21

Alec Mills will take the bump Friday, which is totally a great thing for a huge game against the team the Cubs are trying to catch. Although given the way Hamels has pitched, Mills really is a good option.

In better news, Craig Kimbrel has been activated from the IL after being shut down for a couple weeks with elbow inflammation. He’ll be available out of the bullpen Thursday night, though he may not get the 9th inning right away. Brandon Kintzler is also nearing activation after throwing a bullpen Wednesday and getting ready for another Friday. If all goes well, he’s on track to return Sunday.