Hammel appears to have a rotation spot locked down heading into Cactus League play, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 35-year-old's numbers dipped last season, as he only produced a 5.29 ERA. His peripherals stayed largely the same, however, as his strikeout rate only dropped by roughly half a batter per nine innings and his walk rate actually went down to 2.4 BB/9. Hammel isn't flashy, but he's proven to consistently eat up about 170 innings per season while exhibiting good control. Hopefully some of his other numbers will come back to earth when hitters aren't batting .335 off of him like they did in 2017.

Hammel gave up three runs on six hits over six innings Wednesday, striking out six and walking two in a no-decision against Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

That ends Hammel's 2017 season -- a disappointing campaign in which he put up a 5.29 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, brutal stats that leave him out of consideration in the vast majority of fantasy formats. At least he was able to close out the season on a relatively positive note after going 0-3 with 18 runs allowed in 12.2 innings spanning his prior three starts.

Hammel (8-13) allowed seven runs on eight hits while striking out four batters through just 3.1 innings to take the loss against the White Sox on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel has now allowed 19 runs through 12.2 innings over his past three starts to skyrocket him up to a 5.32 ERA and 1.43 WHIP for the campaign. With his current form in mind, there aren't many scenarios where Hammel could be started confidently in his upcoming start against Detroit.

Hammel (8-12) pitched six innings, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits and a walk while striking out three Indians en route to his second straight loss Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran allowed double-digit hits just once through his first 28 starts this year, but has now given up 10-plus hits in two consecutive outings. Hammel's 5.11 ERA is his worst since his rookie campaign in 2007 with Tampa Bay, and the 35-year-old's 12 losses are just one shy of his career high. He'll look to rebound when he toes the rubber Friday on the road vs. the White Sox.

Hammel (8-11) allowed five runs on 10 hits and two walks despite striking out seven over just 3.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel had been extremely consistent over the past two months, as this is the first time he has allowed more than four runs since July 1 against the Twins. He got singled to death Monday night -- despite the crooked numbers, Hammel didn't allow a home run, and he only served up two extra-base hits out of the 10 total. Just one double play ball could have resulted in an entirely different start, but instead, Hammel watched his ERA inflate to 4.91.

Hammel (8-10) navigated around nine hits and two walks to allow just two runs over six innings Wednesday, striking out six and garnering a victory over Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

While this game ended as a 13-2 rout, Hammel and opposing pitcher Matt Boyd actually pitched to 2-2 impasse through six innings; the Royals broke the tie in the seventh and then truly broke the game open in the eighth, making the bullpen's job easier than the starter's. Although this wasn't Hammel's finest outing, it does mark the fifth consecutive start in which he's pitched six innings and the first time since July 14 that he's allowed more than one walk. With four-year worsts in ERA and WHIP on his ledger, Hammel isn't having a very good 2017, but he's still remained a reliable innings eater who turns in his fair share of quality starts.

Hammel (7-10) allowed four runs on seven hits with three strikeouts over 6.1 innings, enough to earn the win Friday night against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel's consistency is both enviable and lamentable -- he has now given up either three or four runs in nine of his past 11 starts. Despite a brilliant 46:12 K:BB, Hammel's mistakes have simply been too punishable. He served up another home run Friday night, giving him 11 allowed over that 11 start stretch. Despite his excellent control, Hammel has just a 4.80 ERA on the season thanks to that home run problem.

Hammel (6-10) allowed four runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- over 6.2 innings in a losing effort against the Indians on Saturday. He struck out four and walked one batter.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel began his day with five perfect frames, matching zeroes on the scoreboard with Mike Clevinger, but the wheels began to come off in the sixth. Roberto Perez connected for a two-run shot off Hammel, and the right-hander went on to allow two solo homers in the seventh before being pulled. He has now served up seven homers in his last three outings after allowing just two over his first six second-half starts. Next up: a road start against the Twins.

Hammel (6-9) allowed three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out three batters through six innings during Sunday's win over Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel has now allowed three runs or fewer in 13 of his past 15 starts and entered Sunday's outing with a 3.89 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 7.2 K/9 through those previous 14 games. His fantasy ceiling is low, but he's currently providing reliable numbers that move the needle in most fantasy settings. Hammel lines up to face Cleveland at Progressive Field in his next start.

Hammel allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk over six innings in Tuesday's loss to the Athletics. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Hammel entered Tuesday's contest having given up just three home runs in his past seven starts, but had trouble keeping the ball in the park against the Athletics. His four earned runs came on homers from Matt Joyce, Matt Olson and Khris Davis during the game's first three innings. With limited strikeout upside and an uninspiring 4.74 ERA, Hammel isn't worth owning outside of deepest of fantasy formats. He's scheduled to square off against the Indians in his upcoming start on Sunday.