AP Source: Chicago Cubs Get Cole Hamels in Trade with Texas Rangers

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs are gambling a change of scenery will help Cole Hamels return to form.

The Cubs acquired the veteran left-hander in a trade with the Texas Rangers, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal who spoke Friday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams haven't announced the move. Texas is reportedly sending cash with Hamels to Chicago for a couple of minor leaguers.

Hamels is in the midst of perhaps the worst year of his career, going 5-9 with a 4.72 ERA in 20 starts with last-place Texas. He is just 1-3 with an 11.12 ERA in four starts in July.

But the 34-year-old Hamels is an experienced playoff pitcher with a history of success at Wrigley Field. He was the NL Championship Series and World Series MVP when Philadelphia won the title in 2008. He is 7-6 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 career postseason starts.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon was in Tampa Bay's dugout when Hamels led the Phillies past the Rays for the championship 10 years ago.

Hamels' locker was cleaned out and his nameplate was gone when the media entered the Texas clubhouse following the Rangers' 7-6 loss to the Athletics on Thursday night.

Hamels is 3-1 with a 1.76 ERA in six career starts at Wrigley. The San Diego native struck out 13 while pitching a no-hitter at Chicago's iconic ballpark in his final start with the Phillies in 2015. He was traded to Texas six days later.

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