CLEARWATER, Fla.Phillies reliever Mike Stutes will not make his scheduled appearance Friday night because of a shoulder issue.
Hes a little tired, pitching coach Rich Dubee said Thursday. Theres a little inflammation in there. We dont think its anything major. Well give him a little time off. Hes had eight or nine outings down here.
Stutes has made nine appearances totaling 9 13 innings in the Grapefruit League. It is unclear whether this setback will impact his readiness for the opening day roster. The Phils open the season next Thursday in Pittsburgh.
Stutes, a 25-year-old righthander, pitched in 57 games for the Phils last season and recorded a 3.63 ERA. He is one of several candidates to help setup for closer Jonathan Papelbon this season. Chad Qualls, Jose Contreras and Antonio Bastardo are others who figure to get a look in that role. Another name could be added to the mix as the Phils are expected to take a look at Kyle Kendrick in a late-inning assignment against the Yankees on Friday night.
A week before opening day, Phillies officials are undecided whether they will go with six or seven relievers. The Phils dont need a fifth starter until April 15 so its possible Joe Blanton could help in the bullpen until then.
Right now, the opening day bullpen shapes up this way:
Papelbon, Qualls, Bastardo and Kendrick are locks.
MLB
Contreras, who had elbow surgery in September, is likely to get a spot.
Stutes or David Herndon could get the sixth spot.
If the Phils go with seven relievers, both Stutes and Herndon could be on the club or lefty Raul Valdes could move into one of those spots.
Rosters are due on Wednesday. The Phils roster is far from decided and a lot can happen in a week.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com