Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Posted: 1:03 p.m.Updated: 6:52 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
Players are starting to move in the right direction when it comes to the Phillies' disabled list.
Chase Utley came off the DL on Monday. Reliever Jose Contreras is expected to come off it on Wednesday or Thursday. Shane Victorino is almost ready to play in minor-league rehab games, putting him on target to return a week from Friday.
Contreras threw 20 pitches over two scoreless innings for Triple A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday. He is just a checkup away from returning to the Phils bullpen.
He should be ready tomorrow or Thursday, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. I think hes done with his rehab. He just needs to see the doctor.
Contreras was at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night.
MLB
Im ready to go, he said.
Victorino, on the DL with a right hamstring strain, has been running. Amaro said he could play in some minor-league rehab games this weekend if he continues to progress.
Catcher Brian Schneider remains on the DL with a left hamstring strain. He is eligible to come off on Friday, but will need more time.
To make room for Contreras on the active roster, the Phillies could send right-handed reliever David Herndon to Triple A. Contreras will not be coming back to the closers role that he had at the start of the season. Ryan Madson seized the opportunity to close while Contreras was out. He entered Tuesday 9 for 9 in save chances and will keep that job.
Madson was available to pitch Tuesday night.
Hes finally turned the corner as a closer, manager Charlie Manuel said. Hes done real good.
Contreras is expected to work in seventh- and eighth-inning setup roles. He pitched well in that role last year.
Madson isnt the only reliever to pitch well while Contreras has been out. Righthander Michael Stutes and lefty Antonio Bastardo have both emerged as trusted arms for Manuel. They will be in the setup mix with Contreras.
Entering Tuesday, Stutes had allowed just two runs in 7 23 innings. He had given up four hits but had walked five while striking out eight.
Bastardo had allowed just two runs in 16 13 innings. He had 23 strikeouts and eight walks.
In about a month, the Phils could have another bullpen option as Brad Lidge completes his rehab from a tear in his right rotator cuff. Lidge is in Florida working out and he could begin pitching in minor-league games in the coming days. He would probably need 8 to 10 appearances before hes ready.
Lidge, the Phils regular closer the last three seasons, will not close when he returns.
He could pitch in the seventh, eighth or ninth, pitching coach Rich Dubee said. Well see. How hes throwing will dictate how hes used. If Madson goes two or three days in a row, we might need another guy. But right now Brad is basically in spring training.
Dubee said working in a setup role might be an adjustment, for Lidge, but hes done it before. He did it for Billy Wagner in Houston.
Blanton update
Pitcher Joe Blanton (sore right elbow) wont throw for at least two weeks. He is scheduled to be examined by orthopedist James Andrews on Wednesday. Blanton does not believe he will need surgery.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com