Rangers' Hamels expected to miss 8 weeks with right oblique strain

— -- Texas Rangers pitcher Cole Hamels is expected to miss eight weeks with a right oblique strain, the Rangers announced on Wednesday.

Rangers executive vice president John Blake tweeted Wednesday afternoon that Hamels has been placed on the 10-day disabled list but is expected to miss nearly two months.

Hamels (2-0) was scratched from his Tuesday start versus the Astros after experiencing tightness in his right oblique right before game time -- the national anthem was just about to play when the Rangers shut him down for the game. LHP Alex Claudio made his first career start in his place.

Hamels has a 3.03 ERA in 32 2/3 innings to start the season.

To account for Hamels' absence, RHP Anthony Bass has been recalled from the Round Rock Triple-A team.