Mar 31, 2009 10:20 AM EST

Phillies ace Cole Hamels is expected to make his season debut on April 10th against the Rockies, after being pushed back from his Opening Day start.

Hamels hasn't had a recurrence of elbow stiffness lately.

"I definitely think I'll be ready [for the fourth game on the schedule]," he said.

His final tuneup before the regular season will come on Saturday against the Rays at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

"That exhibition game will be a big start for me and really prepare me for the season," he said. "That will really get me ready, going out and competing at the big-league level and starting off the season right."

Via Philadelphia Daily News