That giant exhale you just heard was thousands of Phillies fans breathing a sigh of relief.

That twinge Phillies Phanatics got in their gut about the same time Cole Hamels was reporting a twinge in his elbow is easing.

Hamels flew to Philly to have the ouchy elbow on his throwing arm examined. Here’s the result: There is no significant damage, but Hamels is suffering from some inflammation. He was given a shot and will not throw for 48 hours.

So let’s cut to the chase, and we’re not talking about Utley. Will Hamels be on the mound when the Phils and Braves kick off the baseball season in a special Sunday night ESPN game on April 5?

The Phillies are being characteristally coy about the injury, saying little other than Hamels will not throw for 48 hours.

But pitching coach Rich Dubee didn’t sound especially optimistic.

“I think it would be a long shot,” Dubee told reporters in Clearwater yesterday.

Gee, thanks Rich.

If Hamels can’t go, at least the Phils have a viable option. And it happens to be the same guy who was on the hill opening day last year.

Brett Myers threw five and two-thirds scoreless innings, giving up just four hits, walking none and striking out seven.

You have to think the Phils would love to have Hamels, the MVP of both the National League Championship Series and World Series, in that starter’s role. But not if it means exposing him to any chance of further aggravating his problem elbow.

Think of it this way. Remember last spring. The Phils started their season without the services of Brad Lidge. How did that turn out?

They can only hope things go the same way with Hamels.