Charlie Manuel, an old-school hitter, likes a good slugfest as much as anybody. But, looking back, even he realizes last season's late surge that culminated in the Phillies' World Series championship had little to do with hitting. "We've got (Cole) Hamels and (Brett) Myers and (Jamie) Moyer and (Joe) Blanton, and they were in our rotation when we peaked real good down the stretch," Manuel said Saturday. "To me, that's what got us into the World Series. That's what definitely won it for us." This year, the formula has been rather different. Through Sunday, the four aforementioned starters, along with newcomer Chan Ho Park, had combined for a 6.71 ERA, worst of any rotation in the majors. But in the absence of even passable starting pitching, the Phillies are getting clutch hits, playing solid defense and getting good relief pitching. Long-term, though, Manuel knows the game plan must involve better starting pitching. "We've got to get better," he said. "We talk about it all the time. Our starting pitching has to be more consistent."
PLAYER NEWS: --C Carlos Ruiz was activated Saturday after three weeks on the disabled list and went 0-for-2 with two walks in a 10-inning, 6-5 victory over the New York Mets. He also made a nifty tag on RF Jayson Werth's throw to home plate to preserve a tie in the eighth inning. Ruiz's return spelled a trip back to Class AAA Lehigh Valley for 22-year-old C prospect Lou Marson, who batted .235 (4-for-17) in seven games. Upon returning to Lehigh Valley, Marson said he will focus on his game-calling behind the plate. "They want to see me take charge more," Marson said. "Once you get to know the (pitchers) more, it's easier to do that. That's not my personality. But over time, I'll be able to do that."
--RHP Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless ninth inning Saturday against the New York Mets, his first appearance since April 25. Lidge had been sidelined by right knee inflammation, a problem caused by faulty mechanics. Lidge walked two batters against the Mets but said his mechanics were far more sound, causing his knee to respond positively. "I was pain-free," Lidge said. "I had some real solid mechanics there."
MEDICAL WATCH:
2B Chase Utley (sore right foot) did not start May 2, but he appeared as a pinch hitter.
C Carlos Ruiz (strained right oblique muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list April 11. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Lehigh Valley on April 25 but had a setback April 27. He returned to minor league action April 30, and he was activated by the Phillies on May 1.
RHP Brad Lidge (inflamed right knee) did not pitch April 26-May 1. He returned to action May 2.
LHP Cole Hamels (sprained left ankle) left his April 28 start, and it's uncertain if he will miss a turn in the rotation. He had left his April 23 start with a bruised left shoulder.
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:
Carlos Ruiz
Chris Coste
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
