Hamels out 2 months; Kluber on DL

Two star pitchers, Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels and Indians righty Corey Kluber, were placed on the disabled list Wednesday.

Hamels has a strained right oblique muscle and will be out for about two months. Kluber has a strained lower back.

Hamels felt pain during a pregame warmup session before his scheduled start Tuesday against the Astros. He was scratched and later examined by the Rangers’ physician, Dr. Keith Meister, who confirmed the diagnosis.

This is the fifth time Hamels has been on the DL in his career and first with the Rangers.

The four-time All-Star is 2-0 with a 3.03 ERA in five starts this season. Hamels, 33, is 24-6 since the Rangers got him from the Phillies at the trade deadline in 2015. He was the MVP of the 2008 World Series for the Phils.

The rotation is likely to become: Yu Darvish, Martin Perez, Andrew Cashner, A.J. Griffin and Nick Martinez.

Right-hander Anthony Bass was recalled for bullpen depth.

Kluber (3-2, 5.06) was removed from Tuesday night’s game against the Tigers after three innings. Manager Terry Francona said missing only one start would be a best-case scenario.

“Hopefully it’s sooner rather than later,” Francona said. “But we’re going to do what’s right because we don’t want him to have to go through the year like this.”

Kluber’s durability was crucial last year, when he helped the Indians win the AL pennant despite injuries that decimated the rest of the rotation. He has made at least 32 starts in each of the last three seasons, and he won the Cy Young Award in 2014.

The Indians won’t need a fifth starter until Sunday against the Royals. Mike Clevinger could be the top option to be called up for a spot start that day. Righthander Joe Colon was recalled to work in the bullpen.