The latest on Phillies' Cole Hamels

The Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies are discussing a trade about left-hander Cole Hamels, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. However, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com cites a team source on the Hamels talks who said that a trade for the lefty is "not on the board" at this time.  

Hamels cannot block a trade to the Rangers.

The Phillies are obviously obligated to moving Hamels, as they should be, following a league-worst 25-47 record through their first 72 games. Hamels has already been a hot topic of trade talks and with the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the talk is expected to continue to rise. 

The Rangers have received good results from their starting pitching staff, but they view Hamels as an "elite upgrade," per Morosi. Even with the good results, other factors such as FIP and xFIP show that Texas' staff is not as good as advertised. In fact, their staff has the second-worst xFIP in the big leagues. 

Hamels has been fantastic this season, going 5-5 with a 2.96 ERA (3.55 FIP) in 94.1 innings pitched. He missed his last start due to a mild hamstring injury, but after a bullpen this weekend, he will be ready to go in his next start tomorrow against the Yankees. 

--Devan Fink

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