The shift was subtle until it became glaringly obvious. Once expected to slug their way to the playoffs, the Phillies quietly transformed last summer into a pitching- and defense-oriented team. Then, in October, they won the World Series with shutdown pitching, getting solid postseason outings from each member of the rotation. And with four starters returning, pitching figured to be a major strength in 2009. But through April 19, the Phillies had allowed 26 home runs in 11 games. The starters had yielded 18. "It's definitely location," manager Charlie Manuel said. "If you're going to throw high changeups, well, there's a good chance that you're going to give up a lot of home runs. The changeup can be a tremendous pitch, and a lot of our pitchers throw it. But it's also a ball you have to throw down in the strike zone. You just cannot throw belt-high changeups and expect to get away with it."
PLAYER NEWS: --LHP J.A. Happ lost a closely contested fifth-starter competition to veteran RHP Chan Ho Park, but he has had success in the bullpen. Including three scoreless innings Sunday (in relief of Park), Happ has allowed two runs and struck out five in 7 2/3 innings for a 2.35 ERA. "I always try to go out there with a little chip," Happ said. "I pitched well last year a couple times when I got sent down (to Class AAA). I think sometimes it can be used as a positive, as a motivator. I think we all have something that motivates us a little more. That's all right." Park has an 8.68 ERA in two starts, but manager Charlie Manuel said he isn't considering making a change.
--C Carlos Ruiz (strained right oblique) took 25 swings off the tee and played catch Monday. He didn't report any discomfort and said he's optimistic he'll be ready to be activated from the disabled list before an April 27 game against Washington. Barring any setbacks, Ruiz said he could play in some minor-league games this weekend, likely at Class AA Reading. "We'll wait and see," manager Charlie Manuel said. "His injury is an injury that, if you don't let it heal, it can reoccur really quick. The first time you jerk or twist of swing a bat, it can come back."
--2B Chase Utley has reached base in 31 consecutive games, the majors' longest active streak and the longest by a Phillies player since Utley reached base in 35 straight games in 2006. The longest on-base streak by a Phillies player is 48 games by Bobby Abreu from Aug. 15, 2000 through April 10, 2001.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Carlos Ruiz (strained right oblique muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list April 11. He might not be ready to return when he's first eligible.
LHP Mike Zagurski (Tommy John elbow surgery in April 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He resumed pitching in late March and could be ready to join the team by mid-April.
ROTATION:
LHP Cole Hamels
RHP Brett Myers
LHP Jamie Moyer
RHP Joe Blanton
RHP Chan Ho Park
BULLPEN:
RHP Brad Lidge (closer)
RHP Ryan Madson
RHP Chad Durbin
LHP Scott Eyre
RHP Clay Condrey
LHP J.A. Happ
LHP Jack Taschner
CATCHERS:
Chris Coste
Lou Marson
INFIELDERS:
1B Ryan Howard
2B Chase Utley
SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Pedro Feliz
INF Eric Bruntlett
INF Miguel Cairo
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Raul Ibanez
CF Shane Victorino
RF Jayson Werth
OF/INF Greg Dobbs
OF Matt Stairs
