Phillies' Hamels has sore elbow examined

CLEARWATER, Fla., March 17 (UPI) -- An examination of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels' sore left elbow indicated no structural damage, the National League team said.

Hamels underwent magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic ultrasound examinations on his elbow Tuesday in Philadelphia. Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro told MLB.com the tests showed some inflammation but no other damage.

Hamels is scheduled to resume throwing Thursday but it is unclear whether he will be available to start Philadelphia's season opener April 5.

Hamels, 25, is coming off his best season. He went 14-10 with a 3.09 earned run average and was 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in the postseason last year for Philadelphia. He was selected the most valuable player of both the National League Championship Series and the World Series. He was rewarded with a three-year, $20.5 million contract in January.

He's been with the Phillies for three seasons, building a 38-23 record with a 3.43 ERA.