Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Cole Hamels throws a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020, in Baltimore.
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)BALTIMORE – Cole Hamels finally got on the mound in an Atlanta uniform, allowing three runs to the Baltimore Orioles before reaching his predetermined pitch count in the fourth inning, and the Braves struggled offensively in a 5-1 loss Wednesday night.
The 36-year-old Hamels signed a one-year contract with Atlanta in December and was expected to be a major contributor in the rotation.
Adding to Hamels' frustration was that he had made at least 20 starts in each of his previous 14 seasons.
Snitker said Fried would have started the series finale against the Orioles if Hamels wasn't already penciled in.