May 2, 2008 The Rays manager Joe Maddon made it official today that Jason Hammel is headed to the bullpen to clear a rotation spot for Scott Kazmir, this according to the Tampa Tribune.
Our View:Hammel was 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA in five starts, walking 12 and striking out 15 in 27.2 innings.
May 2, 2008 The Tampa Tribune speculates that Jason Hammel is likely to be demoted to the bullpen when Scott Kazmir returns to the rotation on Sunday.
Our View:Hammel had pitched pretty well before his last start, in which he gave up three runs on on six hits and four walks over just 2 2/3 innings. He's out of options, so the Rays can't send him down without passing him through waivers first.
April 29, 2008 Jason Hammel allowed three runs on six hits and four walks over 2 2/3 innings Tuesday in a loss to Baltimore.
Our View:With Scott Kazmir ready to come off the DL, Hammel picked a bad time for this hiccup. He could be sent to the bullpen but is out of options and would have to clear waivers to go back to Triple-A, which he almost surely wouldn't do.
April 29, 2008 Jason Hammel will try to nail down his first career win against the Orioles tonight, according to MLB.com. Hammel is 0-3 with a 7.18 ERA over five starts against Baltimore.
Our View:He will have a good chance to fare better this time around against the Orioles, as he is currently 2-1 with a 4.32 ERA and solid 1.24 WHIP. He should be in your lineups tonight.
April 23, 2008 Young RHP Jason Hammel put forth another strong effort in leading his Tampa Bay Rays to a 3-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays this evening. Hammel completed six innings of work, throwing 93 pitches (53 strikes) to allowing three runs (all earned) on four hits.
Our View:Hammel did allow four walks and two home runs, but the damage was minimal and allowed the young hurler to pick up his second win of the season.
