Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Posted: 2:26 p.m.

By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com

PHOENIX Phillies pitcher Roy Oswalt was not at Chase Field for Wednesdays game against Arizona. He left the team to check on his family in Mississippi after tornandoes rocked the area for the second straight year.

There has been a tremendous amount of tornado activity near Roys home in Mississippi resulting in several tragic deaths and significant devastation to the area," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in astatement. "Because of this, Roy is concerned about his familys well being. He has chosen to take time to make sure there wasnt significant damage to his home, but more importantly, to make certain that his wife and children are OK.

"It is almost a year to the day that his parents home was destroyed by a tornado which has heightened his concern about the current situation.

"We are hopeful that he will rejoin the team for his next start, but will take that day by day.Oswalt lives near Weir, Mississippi.

Oswalt returned to his home the morning after lasting just three innings in a loss to Arizona. It was just the 12th time in 308 career starts that he lasted three or fewer innings. He did not come out of that game because of any off-field issue. Manager Charlie Manuel took him out because he was ineffective.

Oswalt was not available for comment after that game. He had left the ballpark before the clubhouse was open to reporters.

Several hours before Tuesdays game, the pitcher sat alone with his cell phone in the dugout for a long period of time. He appeared to be reading and sending messages.

Questions were raised about Oswalts health in the wake of Tuesday nights outing. Two starts earlier, the pitcher had to leave the game because of spasms in the middle of his back. His fastball has lacked pop in two starts since.

Hes not hurt, Amaro said.

Amaro went on to say that Oswalts back was fine.

Oswalt is scheduled to start on Tuesday. The Phillies will learn in the coming days whether he will make that start.

We expect him to be back, Amaro said.

Amaro had no explanation why Oswalts fastball has lacked its usual zip the past two starts.

He didnt have his good stuff yesterday, Amaro said. Unfortunately, that happens.

E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com

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