Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels told Philly.com that returning to the Philadelphia Phillies would be "a blessing."

Hamels said he has been impressed by the performance of the upstart Phillies, who begin Friday's play leading the National League East by 1/2 game.

Hamels has also maintained a home in Delaware County, outside Philadelphia. His children attend a private school in the area.

"If something like that does happen, I think it would be a blessing," Hamels told Philly.com. "You do look back. And Philly has a great group of guys that they're bringing up and the future of a world championship team. You just have to give it to them and give them their space.

"If it happens, it happens. But I can't wish or long for something like that because I'm still trying to figure out how to pitch well in five days, six days."

Hamels broke into the majors with the Phillies in 2006 and was a key figure on the 2008 club that won the World Series.

The out-of-contention Phillies sent Hamels to the Rangers in July 2015 for a package of prospects and injured veteran Matt Harrison. The Rangers reached the playoffs with Hamels at the front of the rotation in 2015-16.

Hamels' contract includes a team option for 2019 at $20 million. He would receive a $6 million buyout if the club does not pick up the option.

Hamels, 34, is 5-8 with a 4.36 ERA in 19 starts. In his last nine starts, Hamels is 2-4 with a 5.51 ERA and 10 homers allowed in 50 2/3 innings. Hamels is scheduled to make his first start of the second half on Sunday against Cleveland at Globe Life Park.