Cole Hamels pitches second straight shutout

By Matthew PouliotAug 13, 2012, 10:33 PM EDT
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Cole Hamels went the distance against the Marlins on Monday, recording his second straight shutout after blanking the Braves last Tuesday.

Hamels, who last month agreed to a six-year, $144 million extension with the Phillies, scattered seven hits in the gem. It was his sixth career shutout.  He’s now 13-6 with a 2.91 ERA for the season.

Along with Johan Santana, Hamels is the second pitcher this year to throw shutouts in back-to-back outings. Phillies teammate Cliff Lee was the last pitcher to throw three in a row, doing so against the Marlins, Cardinals and Red Sox last June. Hamels will get the Brewers next as he tries to match Lee’s feat.

Report: Welington Castillo to be suspended 80 games for violating Joint Drug Agreement

David Banks/Getty Images
By Bill BaerMay 23, 2018, 10:29 PM EDT
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Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirms a report from journalist Américo Celado that White Sox catcher Welington Castillo will be suspended 80 games for violating baseball’s Joint Drug Agreement. Castillo was believed to have used a steroid, but according to Rosenthal, the substance was not a steroid. More details should come on Thursday.

Castillo, 31, entered Wednesday’s action batting .270/.314/.477 with six home runs and 15 RBI in 118 plate appearances. He has gotten the bulk of the work behind the plate, backed up by Omar Narváez.

Castillo’s absence will likely prompt the White Sox to call up Kevan Smith from Triple-A Charlotte. Smith battled an ankle injury in March and April, so he got a late start to the season. In 102 PA at Triple-A, he has hit .283/.343/.457.