"Cole Hamels returns to the mound for the first time in 17 days on Monday night as the Phillies open a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Hamels has not started since Aug. 12 when he had trouble getting his fastball over 90 mph in a 4-2 loss to Washington.

The lefthander was treated for tightness and fatigue in his left shoulder shortly after that start and he eventually ended up on the disabled list. Fears of an injury were first eased by a clean MRI and later on Tuesday when Hamels had a bullpen workout that pitching coach Rich Dubee called "absolutely fantastic."

You could make a case that this is the most important start that any Phillies pitcher has made this season.

A pitcher can throw all the bullpen sessions he wants, but the only way to truly test the health of an arm is to get on the mound and face big-league hitters in game competition. Yes, the Phillies have Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, but Hamels is equally as crucial to the team's success in the coming weeks and postseason, and everyone associated with the ballclub -- from the front office to the fans -- will feel a lot better if he comes out of this game feeling strong and healthy.

Hamels (13-7, 2.62) will face Reds' righthander Homer Bailey (7-5, 4.44)."