Hamels to have elbow examined

World Series most valuable player Cole Hamels left training camp Monday and flew to Philadelphia to have his left elbow examined by Phillies team physician Michael Ciccotti.

“He’s had a little bit of a persistent soreness in his elbow. We do not believe it’s serious,” Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “But at least at this time we thought it was important for Dr. Ciccotti to check him out and see if there’s anything more serious than we think it is.”

Hamels feels tightness in his elbow between innings and after he’s finished pitching for the day.

“I was able to throw yesterday,” Hamels said. “It’s just been that kind of mild discomfort, something I don’t want to have to deal with during the season. So if we can figure it out and somehow lessen the inflammation and the discomfort, I’ll be able to throw and be productive.”

Hamels pitched 262 1/3 innings last year, the first season in an eight-year pro career that he avoided the disabled list.

Pudge to Astros?

The Houston Astros and catcher Ivan Rodriguez are closing in on a $1.5-million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the talks told the Associated Press.

“There isn’t anything certain yet. Right now the only team I have is Puerto Rico,” said Rodriguez in Miami before Puerto Rico played Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. “There’s interest, but I haven’t received a call yet. Let’s wait and see what happens in the coming hours or days.”

Houston needed a veteran catcher to replace Brad Ausmus, who became a free agent and signed with the Dodgers.

Etc.

All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez was held out of the Florida Marlins’ lineup against Washington because of discomfort in his right shoulder. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Ramirez should be all right after a couple of days off. . . . Kansas City Royals right-hander Julio Pimentel will be out at least six weeks with an elbow injury. . . . Marlins reliever Matt Lindstrom has a strained right rotator cuff that will sideline him at least a week, and he’ll miss the rest of the World Baseball Classic. . . . The New York Mets hired Julio Franco as one of their minor league managers.