Phillies bullpen concerns continue to mount

Share

PITTSBURGH -- There are more troubles in the Phillies bullpen.

Setup man Chad Qualls was not available for Sundays game because of a sore right heel.

He was walking around in his spikes Saturday and felt something grab in my heel. It was like a knife in the back of my heel, he said.

Qualls was able to pitch an inning Saturday night, but he was held out for precautionary reasons Sunday. He will be checked by team doctors Monday.

I hope its nothing, he said.

The Phillies can hardly afford another bullpen setback. Jose Contreras, who had elbow surgery in September, is still rehabbing in Florida. He is expected back this month. Mike Stutes had a bout of shoulder inflammation late in spring training, but began the season on time.

And then theres the interesting case of Antonio Bastardo. The lefthanders velocity was a concern in spring training and pitching coach Rich Dubee was cautious with him late in camp.

Bastardo pitched to four batters in Sundays 5-4 loss to the Pirates (see story). He struck out two, walked one and allowed an RBI single. Though Bastardos velocity is better than it was in camp, manager Charlie Manuel said hes still not as firm as he was last year. Whats more, Bastardo seems to be taking a long time between pitches, almost as if hes tentative.

Keep an eye on Bastardo.

The Phillies certainly are.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com

Contact Us