HOUSTON -- The Texas Rangers scratched ace Cole Hamels from his scheduled start against the Houston Astros because of tightness in his right oblique.
Hamels will return to Arlington on Wednesday to be examined by team physician Keith Meister.
The Rangers said Hamels felt discomfort in his right side while warming up Tuesday. The left-hander was shut down and getting treatment during the game.
"Just doing my normal routine that I've always done," Hamels said of his injury. "On the second pitch of the bullpen, just got caught with a sharp pain on the side. It's something I've never experienced I think ever in my career."
The four-time All-Star is 2-0 with a 3.03 ERA in five starts this season.
Left-hander Alex Claudio made his first career start in Hamels' place, giving up three runs in four innings for a no-decision in the team's 8-7 loss.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.