CLEARWATER, Fla. – In a Phillies spring that has been riddled with lackluster play, there at least has been Cliff Lee.
The 35-year-old lefty continued his machine-like spring with six innings of two-run ball against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.
Lee’s last two starts have come against the defending World Series champions. He has totaled 11 innings and allowed just two runs while walking two and striking out nine.
For the spring, Lee has pitched 19 2/3 innings, allowed 14 hits, six runs and three walks. He has 19 strikeouts.
He is ready for his opening day assignment.
Lee’s turn comes up again on Wednesday. He will likely taper down his work as a tune-up for opening day.
The Phillies and Red Sox played to a 2-2 tie in 10 innings.
The Phils are 6-14-3 on the spring.
• Domonic Brown has not played in a week because of flu-like symptoms. (There's also been a rainout and an off day.) He is hoping to have a full workout Saturday.
• Chase Utley is hitting .190 on the spring with one extra-base hit. Manager Ryne Sandberg conceded that Utley is not driving the ball.
“Not like he normally would,” Sandberg said. “He’s working on his timing. I think he’s gaining on it.”
• Cole Hamels, behind schedule because of offseason shoulder issues, will face hitters in live batting practice for the first time Saturday.
Mike Adams and Jonathan Pettibone, both recovering from shoulder issues, will pitch in minor-league games on Saturday.
Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez had a cortisone injection in his sore shoulder on Thursday. He continues to rest his arm.