Friday, June 3, 2011
Posted: 11:55 a.m.Updated: 3:15 p.m.
CSNPhilly.com
The Phillies on Friday activated Shane Victorino, who had been on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, and sent down the man who had been filling in for him in centerfield, John Mayberry, Jr.
Victorino will bat fifth in Friday's series opener against Pittsburgh.
Mayberry, who will return to Triple A Lehigh Valley, started the last 13 games for the Phils and hit .231 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 45 games overall.
The other likely candidates to be sent down were outfielder Domonic Brown and utility man Michael Martniez, but Brown is showing signs of blossoming -- he's hitting .324 -- and Martinez is not only a Rule 5 pick but also able to play both infield and outfield. Had they sent Martinez down, they would have risked losing him on waivers. The Phils need Martinez and Wilson Valdez to give Chase Utley and his tender knee an occasional rest.
The Phils' lineup against Pirates righthander Jeff Karstens (3-4, 3.58): Jimmy Rollins at short, Placido Polanco at third, Chase Utley at second, Ryan Howard at first, Victorino in center, Raul Ibanez in left, Domonic Brown in right, Carlos Ruiz in center and Cole Hamels pitching.
MLB
Related: Phillies scouts in final prep for Monday's draftGame notes: Hamels vs. Karstens