CHICAGOPlacido Polanco is eligible to come off the disabled list on Wednesday, but that will not happen.
The Phillies third baseman is still feeling pain from a bulging disc in his lower back, and after taking anti-inflammatory pills for more than a week now believes he needs an epidural injection to speed his recovery.
The idea was thrown out by the doctors in Philly, Polanco said late Monday afternoon. They say they really help. Ive tried rest and medication. Im at the point where I think Ill have the injection. Its still sore.
Polanco, 35, has not played since July 4. He has been bothered by soreness in his back for weeks and the pain has taken a toll on his play. He is hitting just .216 since May 1 after hitting .398 in the first month of the season.
Rookie Michael Martinez was in the lineup at third base against the Cubs on Monday night.
Polanco is the second Phillie to be hampered by a bulging disc in recent weeks. Pitcher Roy Oswalt had an epidural injection earlier this month and is much improved. He is scheduled to throw in the bullpen on Tuesday.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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