Dodgers join Red Sox in pursuit of Cole Hamels

The Dodgers have joined the Red Sox in pursuit of Phillies ace Cole Hamels, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY reports. The Red Sox have already talked to the Phillies about a potential deal, having shot down a couple of proposals. Additionally, the Cubs have been reported to have interest in the lefty.

Hamels, 30, has four years and $96 million remaining on his contract with the Phillies. He has appeal to contending teams because his contract is shorter in length as compared to free agent starters — Max Scherzer and Jon Lester, for instance — who are expected to draw six-year deals in the $150-200 million range.

Hamels had another excellent season for the Phillies in 2014, finishing with a 2.46 ERA and a 198/59 K/BB ratio in 204 2/3 innings. He missed the first three weeks of the season due to left shoulder tendonitis, but has otherwise been quite healthy over the duration of his nine-year career.

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Yankees first baseman Luke Voit exited Saturday’s game under less-than-ideal conditions after a 91.4-m.p.h. fastball caught him on the chin in the fourth inning. Following his removal, he passed the standard concussion protocol testing, though the Yankees will likely play it safe with the infielder over the next few days.

With one out and a runner on first, Voit stepped up to bat against Chad Bettis in the bottom of the fourth inning. He had just worked an 0-2 count against Bettis when the mishap occurred — a fastball that deflected off of his shoulder and met his chin. Voit took a few moments to recover, then took first base before he was eventually lifted from the game at the top of the fifth.

Prior to his exit, the first baseman went 0-for-1 with a walk. He was subsequently replaced by DJ LeMahieu, who shifted over from third to first base while Gio Urshela stepped in at the hot corner.

The Yankees currently lead the Rockies 11-5 in the eighth.