Phillies, Cole Hamels aim for combined no

Cole Hamels lasted six no-hit innings on Monday. / Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports

Cole Hamels is six years removed from a World Series MVP award, a span in which the Philadelphia Phillies have gone from champions to also-rans, a status that's imperiled Hamels' future with the club.

Monday, Hamels and two relievers are on the verge of a bit of history in an otherwise sour season in Philadelphia.

Hamels, Jake Diekman and Ken Giles have combined to no-hit the Atlanta Braves through eight innings of a Labor Day matinee.

Hamels was not around to try and complete the feat, as manager Ryne Sandberg pinch-hit for him after six innings. He'd thrown 108 pitches, striking out seven but walking five, and it was clear he wouldn't be around to see the finish.

He threw 24 pitches in the first inning and struggled with his command, but the relievers did not miss a beat, as the Phillies combined to strike out 12 through eight innings.

It would be the fourth no-hitter in baseball this season, following Josh Beckett of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Phillies in May, and TIm Lincecum's second in as many years against the San Diego Padres, in June, along with Clayton Kershaw's gem against Colorado.

Hamels, who is in the second year of a six-year, $144 million deal, was discussed on the trade block this summer, as the Phillies seek to rebuild after a third consecutive season missing the playoffs. While a trade was termed unlikely, Hamels is the lone player tied to a big deal that has significant trade value. He entered Monday 106-80 in his career.

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