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History shows you can't outrun a bad bullpen

The Phillies can only run from their porous bullpen for so long.

Because eventually, leaky relief will rear its ugly head and dash any hopes the club had at rekindling the 2007-11 magic.

History shows that a bad bullpen typically means no postseason.

After the Phils' relief corps blew its sixth game — tied for second-most in baseball this season — in a disheartening 5-3 loss to the Nationals on Friday, the team’s bullpen ERA spiked to an NL-worst 5.07.

If the trend continues, the chances of Ryne Sandberg’s crew making the playoffs — or even contending — are faint.

From 1995 — the first complete season when both the NL and AL were divided into three divisions with four teams from each league qualifying for the postseason — to 2013, only seven clubs out of 78 total National League playoff-qualifying teams (5.5 percent) have made the postseason with a bullpen ERA ranked in the bottom five of the NL.

Of those seven teams, only one made it past the NLDS (Cardinals – 2000) before losing in the NLCS.

The seven teams and respective bullpen marks:

• Rockies (2009, 92-70) won wild card with fourth-worst NL ERA (4.53)

• Phillies (2007, 89-73) won NL East with fourth-worst NL ERA (4.50)

• Braves (2005, 90-72) won NL East with fifth-worst NL ERA (4.74)

• Diamondbacks (2002, 98-64) won NL West with third-worst NL ERA (4.60)

• Cardinals (2000, 95-67) won NL Central with fifth-worst NL ERA (4.84)

• Cubs (1998, 90-73) won wild card with fourth-worst NL ERA (4.40)

• Giants (1997, 90-72) won NL West with fourth-worst NL ERA (4.75)

• Rockies (1995, 77-67) won wild card with second-worst NL ERA (4.64)

This season, the Marlins own the NL’s fifth-worst bullpen with an ERA of 3.80 — substantially better than the Phils.

Yes, it is early, but Phillies relievers have shown no signs of patching up gaping holes. The bats could mash and the starters could dominate, but until the bullpen proves it can do its job, the Phils are as far from the postseason as anybody.

Maybe Jonathan Papelbon was right about velocity

Remember the fastball flung from the hand of Jonathan Papelbon that was causing so much distress — the fastball that’s being thrown at a diminished 92.7 mph and has raised questions regarding the closer’s ability to finish games?

Well, that fastball, lacking its past velocity, is doing just fine.

This season, opponents are hitting a meager .154 against Papelbon’s heater, and it’s been the punctuation on seven of his eight strikeouts.

Since his collapse in Texas, Papelbon has tossed eight scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and converting all six of his save opportunities.

The 33-year-old is hitting spots, mixing and matching and still throwing the fastball with confidence in all counts.

Maybe he was right all along.

"Why do you guys care about velo so much, man?" Papelbon said to reporters after saving the Phillies’ 1-0 win on April 17. "Is that -- does that matter? You think that matters? I don’t understand that. I mean, if a ball has life at the plate and you are throwing 88 miles an hour as opposed to 98 miles an hour, it doesn’t make one damn bit of difference. Whether you throw 93 or 94 or 84. I just, I don’t get it, man."

In fact, Papelbon does get it. And so far, he’s been right.

Why the Phillies' next seven games are crucial

It’s not time to push the panic button on this 2014 Phillies season.

But depending on how the team fares over its next seven games, it soon could be.

After the next seven at Citizens Bank Park, the Phils head west for what sure looks like a difficult 10-game road trip. If the Phillies go limping into those 10 games, it will spell trouble — and not just for the trip, but the season.

The Phils — especially the bullpen — just got done showing their vulnerability against deep and powerful offenses.

Here’s what they’ll get on this 10-game road trip:

· The Rockies, who lead baseball in batting average (.320), on-base percentage (.371), slugging percentage (.494), and feature MVP candidate Carlos Gonzalez (.389 avg.), Troy Tulowitzki (.407 avg.), Michael Cuddyer (.415 avg.) and Justin Morneau (.387 avg.)

· The Dodgers, the defending NL West champions with names such as Hanley Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Yasiel Puig, Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier sprayed throughout their order, not to mention quality starting pitching to go with it

· And the Diamondbacks, who have an MVP candidate of their own in Paul Goldschmidt (.370 avg.) and one of baseball’s early home run leaders, Mark Trumbo (5 HRs, 13 RBIs)

That’s power, power and more power on tap for the Phillies’ leaky, questionable and inexperienced bullpen.

One nightmare road swing can crush a season. Entering July 20 last year, the Phils were 49-48, in second place and 6½ games out of first. They then lost eight straight to finish their nine-game trip away from home and the season was gone.

Given the circumstances, the Phillies can’t afford a bad April. They need to play well enough before the July trade deadline approaches to convince management to keep this going.

And that brings us back to these seven upcoming games. If the Phils don't stem the tide before going west, April could be disastrous and the season unsavable.

Lots of Phils news before series finale vs. Brewers

Plenty of Phillies tidbits on Thursday before the team finishes its three-game series against the Brewers.

Let’s get right into it:

Hamels update
Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters that Cole Hamels (biceps tendinitis) could need just two more rehab starts before making his 2014 debut. The lefty is scheduled to make minor-league rehab appearances on Saturday and April 17, with an April 22 return date as a possibility.

Galvis, Adams update
Amaro also said Freddy Galvis (MRSA) could be activated from the disabled list on Friday, while Mike Adams (shoulder surgery) could return to the Phils’ bullpen on Monday.

Adams has been throwing well in his minor-league rehab appearances, and on Wednesday, Ryne Sandberg said the reliever is “on a fast track” to returning.

Pettibone to start Saturday
The Phillies announced that Jonathan Pettibone will start Saturday against the Marlins. Up to this point, the schedule allowed the Phils to ride a four-man rotation while Hamels worked his way back from the disabled list.

In 18 starts as a rookie last season, the 23-year-old Pettibone went 5-4 with a 4.04 ERA, 66 strikeouts and 38 walks before being shut down because of shoulder soreness.

Ruf, Martin update
Darin Ruf is working his way back from an oblique strain he suffered in spring training. Amaro told reporters that he’s hopeful Ruf will begin doing baseball activities early next week.

Also, according to Amaro, Ethan Martin (shoulder strain) will throw his first bullpen session of his rehab on Friday. Amaro said the organization has decided that Martin will move forward strictly as a reliever.

Tonight's lineups
Oh, and there’s a game tonight (see story). Cliff Lee (2-0, 6.00) opposes Milwaukee right-hander Marco Estrada (0-0, 1.59). Chase Utley returns from the flu. Carlos Ruiz moves in the order … again.

Here are the lineups:

Phillies

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. Carlos Ruiz, C
8. Cody Asche, 3B
9. Cliff Lee, P

Brewers

1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Jean Segura, SS
3. Ryan Braun, RF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Jonathan Lucroy, C
6. Khris Davis, LF
7. Mark Reynolds, 1B
8. Rickie Weeks, 2B
9. Marco Estrada, P

Defense, bullpen lose another for Phillies

The Phillies lost again because of spotty defense and poor late-inning relief.

The defeat — 9-4 to the Brewers (6-2) on Wednesday night — is the Phils’ (3-5) third in a row.

It’s early, but the Phillies have been glaringly bad in the field and bullpen.

It did them in once again Wednesday night.

What we liked
• The Phils are hitting. They’ve had seven or more hits in every game thus far and are scoring runs at a solid clip. Sure, they’ve left some on base, but you can’t knock in every runner. For the most part, the Phillies’ bats have been a bright spot.

• Ryne Sandberg made an interesting move by going to lefty Jake Diekman in the seventh inning to face four right-handed hitters: Ryan Braun, Aramis Ramirez, Jonathan Lucroy and Khris Davis. Diekman allowed a hit to Ramirez and struck out the side. The left-hander would be a huge plus if he can pitch in all situations against both righties and lefties.

• Ben Revere made two quality plays in the field. One was a diving grab and the other a running, over-the-head catch going back toward the fence. Revere will pull off the spectacular catches, but he needs to improve on running better routes and making routine plays.

What we disliked
• Defense, defense, defense. The Phils made two more errors in the loss. Ryan Howard committed one of them and it came in the eighth inning and snapped a 4-4 tie by bringing home Milwaukee's go-ahead run.

• More defense: The Phillies now have an NL-worst nine errors and an MLB-worst 10 unearned runs allowed. Defense is critical.

• Leadoff walks in the late innings will kill you, and it killed the Phils Wednesday night. Antonio Bastardo walked Mark Reynolds to start the eighth inning and the Brewers went on to score three runs in the frame to take a 7-4 advantage.

What’s next
In the series finale, Cliff Lee (2-0, 6.00) takes the ball for the Phillies and opposes Milwaukee right-hander Marco Estrada (0-0, 1.59).

Game 8: Trying to contain Ryan Braun, Take 2

Just keep Ryan Braun in the yard.

If the Phillies do that, they’ll obviously have a much better chance at beating the Brewers on Wednesday than they did in Tuesday’s home opener.

Roberto Hernandez will get the first crack at trying to cool off Braun after Milwaukee's slugger went deep three times in the Brewers' 10-4 win over the Phils on Tuesday.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to continually bust Braun inside. The 30-year-old is playing through a serious thumb injury.

Here’s how serious:

"The analogy is if you touch a hot stove, no matter how badly you want to keep your hand there, the natural reaction will be to take your hand off it," Braun said, per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, about the feeling he has while gripping the bat. "That's kind of what happens every time I make contact, when it gets bad. No matter what I want to do or try to do, I can't keep two hands on the bat.

"I've tried lots of different things, different padding. Hopefully, we'll figure something out, some type of treatment, something that eventually helps.

"One [surgery] is I would never feel anything in my thumb again, which didn't make sense. The other is they would completely remove the nerve. That doesn't make sense, just long-term, living life.

"In the other one, there would still be nerve endings because they would remove the nerve but the nerve endings would still be there, which could be really painful. [Hand specialist Don Sheridan] said he didn't think that would be a great option either."

Braun’s thumb looked just fine Tuesday.

Now a three-homer day would maybe suggest not pitching to Braun tonight or Thursday, but Milwaukee has weapons up and down the lineup, so if he doesn’t beat you, someone else can.

As far as the Phillies’ bats, Chase Utley is out of the lineup for the second straight game with the flu, but he will be available to pinch-hit (see story). The Phils face right-hander Matt Garza.

Here are tonight’s lineups:

Phillies

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Carlos Ruiz, C
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
8. Jayson Nix, 3B
9. Roberto Hernandez, P

Brewers

1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Jean Segura, SS
3. Ryan Braun, RF
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Jonathan Lucroy, C
6. Khris Davis, LF
7. Mark Reynolds, 1B
8. Scooter Gennett, 2B
9. Matt Garza, P

Phillies already show what they can't afford

If the Phillies want to get back to the postseason or even contend in 2014, they can’t do what they’ve already done just one week into the season.

And that’s waste strong starting pitching by coughing up leads late.

Take away a Jonathan Papelbon implosion and another loss charged to the bullpen, and the Phils are 5-1 instead of 3-3 after a season-opening six-game road trip.

In Texas, A.J. Burnett and Kyle Kendrick combined for 13 innings and two earned runs (1.38 ERA), but both starts went for no-decisions and two Phillies losses.

That can’t happen. When the Phils receive starts like those from their third, fourth and fifth starters, they must capitalize. As evidenced Sunday, Burnett can be brilliant and then brutal. Same goes for Kendrick and Roberto Hernandez.

So, bullpen, win the ones you get.

In 2012, the Orioles went 29-9 in one-run games to clinch a postseason berth. In 2013, they went 20-31 in one-run games and missed the postseason.

Of all the things the Phillies need to go right, the bullpen may be the most critical.

“Not a bad week,” Jimmy Rollins said Sunday after the Phils' 8-3 loss, per CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury, “but it could have been better.”

The Phillies better hope that’s not the theme of their 2014.

Game 6: Burnett, Phils eye sweep before coming home

The Phillies sure would be riding plenty of momentum home with a win and three-game sweep over the Cubs on Sunday.

A.J. Burnett takes the bump at Wrigley Field, looking to build off his impressive debut and supply the Phils that sweep and momentum heading into the team’s home opener on Tuesday.

Burnett went six innings and allowed just one run against the Rangers in his first regular-season start earlier this week.

On Sunday, he’ll be in the right ballpark and playing the right team.

Since 2011, Burnett is 3-0 over four starts at Wrigley Field with a 1.63 ERA and .129 opponents batting average. In seven starts over the past three seasons versus Chicago, the righty is 4-2 with a 2.27 ERA and .195 opponents batting average.

Burnett will oppose Cubs right-hander Carlos Villanueva.

Watch for …

• A blistering Chase Utley, who’s off to a 10-for-21 (.476) start to 2014 and has five hits, four RBIs, three runs scored and two homers in the last two games — both Phillies wins.

• Jimmy Rollins against Villanueva. The shortstop is 2 for 14 (.143) to begin the season, but in his career against the Chicago starter, he’s 3 for 10 (.300) with a pair of doubles, a homer, two walks and no strikeouts.

• Brad Lincoln … seriously, where has he been? The reliever is the only player on the 25-man roster who has not appeared in a game this season. Meanwhile, Jake Diekman has thrown in four contests and Mario Hollands, Antonio Bastardo and Jonathan Papelbon have all appeared in three.

Here are today’s lineups

Phillies (3-2)

1. Ben Revere, CF

2. Jimmy Rollins, SS

3. Chase Utley, 2B

4. Ryan Howard, 1B

5. Marlon Byrd, RF

6. Domonic Brown, LF

7. Carlos Ruiz, C

8. Cody Asche, 3B

9. A.J. Burnett, P

Cubs (1-4)

1. Emilio Bonifacio, 2B (13 for 24, .542 this season)

2. Ryan Kalish, LF

3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B (3 for 15, .200 vs. Burnett)

4. Nate Schierholtz, RF

5. Luis Valbuena, 3B

6. Starlin Castro, SS (9 for 22, .409 vs. Burnett)

7. Ryan Sweeney, CF

8. John Baker, C

9. Carlos Villanueva, P

New Game: Papelbon can be successful by adjusting

Jonathan Papelbon still owns the act — his slow turn and intense stare toward the plate.

But he no longer owns the fastball that once sizzled between 95-96 mph and topped out at 97.

Now, Papelbon, the richest ninth-inning arm in baseball, throws a heater at 90-92 mph and his blown saves have skyrocketed.

But none of this renders Papelbon incapable of reforming back into a guy who can nail down ballgames.

The 33-year-old should hear a lot of the same word Roy Halladay heard.

Reinvent.

When you think closer, you think fierce, intimidating and hard throwing. But closers don’t have to uncork jaw-dropping fastballs to be successful.

Trevor Hoffman, the game’s second all-time saves leader, underwent shoulder surgery after the 1995 season, and as a result, his velocity diminished.

So, he adapted.

Hoffman developed an all-world changeup and became dominant with an off-speed, location-based repertoire. From 2006-10, his final years as a big leaguer, Hoffman threw no harder than 87 mph, yet saved 165 games and posted a 1.83 ERA as an All-Star in 2009.

John Franco made a living the same way, racking up 424 saves (fourth all-time) with guile, not power.

Papelbon must now adjust. His slider and splitter become all that more important, with location now key and outsmarting the name of the game.

Papelbon no longer strikes fear into hitters. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective.

Poof: Nice night for Phils thrown away by Papelbon

Much was wasted Wednesday night.

And wasted by: Jonathan Papelbon.

A sound game from the Phillies went for naught when the enigmatic closer entered the ninth inning with a 3-1 lead and promptly permitted this:

Single, strikeout, double, single, single, walk, walk.

Ballgame. 

A colossal collapse by Papelbon handed the Rangers (2-1) a come-from-behind 4-3 win and series victory over the Phils (1-2) in Arlington, Texas.

Prior to the ninth, all was well. Two massive cogs to the Phillies’ 2014 hopes set things up nicely.

After overcoming a rocky first frame, Kyle Kendrick finished with seven innings of one-run ball, while Ryan Howard popped his first home run of the season.

Ryne Sandberg threw Mario Hollands right back into the fire and the rookie responded. Hollands confidently hurled a 1-2-3 eighth inning against the same portion of the Texas order in which he failed against the night before: Shin-Soo Choo, Elvis Andrus and Prince Fielder.

Again, so much wasted.

What we liked
• Kendrick shook off first-inning trouble and settled into a groove. The Rangers had men on second and third with no outs and Fielder, Adrian Beltre and Alex Rios coming to the plate. Kendrick admirably saw his way through it unscathed.

• Carlos Ruiz is a nice fit in the Phils’ two-hole. Typically the team’s top on-base man, Ruiz walks, puts the ball in play and doesn’t strike out at a high clip. On Wednesday night, Ruiz went 2 for 4 with a double, single, walk and two runs scored.

• Howard walloped his first homer of the season off Texas starter lefty Robbie Ross. It was a two-out, two-run shot in the third inning estimated at 411 feet. That’s three two-out RBIs versus left-handed pitching over the last two games for Howard.

What we disliked
• Umm … Papelbon. Two consecutive nights of outstanding starting pitching go for two losses.

• The Phillies were a bit slipshod in the field, committing three errors that fortunately did no harm. Jayson Nix made an error at shortstop on a redirected ball, but also turned a nice double play with Chase Utley. For the most part thus far, Nix looks pretty capable at third base and shortstop.

• Not a whole lot to dislike aside from the meltdown by the closer.

What’s next
The Phils head to Chicago for three 2:20 p.m. games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Here are the probable pitching matchups:

Friday — RHP Roberto Hernandez (first start) vs. LHP Travis Wood (first start)

Saturday — LHP Cliff Lee (1-0, 14.40) vs. RHP Jeff Samardzija (0-0, 0.00)

Sunday — RHP A.J. Burnett (0-0, 1.50) vs. RHP Carlos Villanueva (0-0, INF)

Mistake, young bullpen cost Phillies in first loss

After beating the Rangers in an opening-day score-fest Monday, the Phillies were locked in a low-scoring, bullpen battle with Texas on Tuesday.

A.J. Burnett handed the youngsters in relief a 2-1 lead after the sixth inning, but that advantage would not hold. Jake Diekman gave up the game-tying run with two outs in the seventh before Mario Hollands, making his big-league debut, struggled to throw strikes in the ninth and took the loss when B.J. Rosenberg allowed the game-winning run on an RBI single to Adrian Beltre.

Rangers 3, Phillies 2.

Ben Revere made what turned out to be a costly gaffe on the bases (read more about that below), while the Phils’ bullpen took its first hit of the season.

What we liked
• Burnett looked very strong. His breaking pitches had bite and he mixed his off-speed and fastball well in taming a deep and dangerous Texas lineup that exposed Cliff Lee the day before. Burnett threw six innings of one-run ball in 97 pitches. We all know how important the righty is, and Tuesday was a nice start to 2014.

• Marlon Byrd’s diving catch and subsequent double play in the sixth inning crushed a Rangers rally and epitomized why his addition was a plus this offseason. If Donnie Murphy’s blooper drops for a single, Texas, trailing 2-1 at the time, has two men aboard with no outs and the top of its order right around the corner. Defense — even just one play — can win a game (see story).

• Ryan Howard wanted plenty of reps in spring training versus left-handed pitching. He got 22 at-bats and hit .318. On Tuesday night, he delivered a two-out RBI double off left-handed starter Martin Perez, who was awfully tough against the Phillies.

What we disliked
• Revere was picked off at second base in the sixth inning after originally being called safe before ruled out following replay review by the umpires. The next pitch, Byrd singled up the middle, which would have scored Revere. The Phils then plated another run that same inning. No team is perfect, but limiting mistakes obviously go a long way in winning games. In this case, it could have been the difference.

• Ryne Sandberg has been creative and experimental thus far, which is good. But rolling with Hollands in the ninth inning of a tie game against Shin-Soo Choo, Elvis Andrus and Prince Fielder is asking a lot of a 25-year-old making his first-ever major-league appearance. Baptism by fire? That was it.

• On the other hand, Howard twice struck out against lefties by flailing at off-speed pitches well out of the strike zone. The Big Piece is continually working on his discipline and could be all that more dangerous if he improves it.

What’s next
In the series rubber match Wednesday night, Kyle Kendrick goes for the Phillies (1-1) and opposes Rangers (1-1) lefty Robbie Ross.

Hamels to test arm, throw bullpen session Wednesday

Another chapter to the Cole Hamels spring-training saga will be written Wednesday.

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg told reporters Monday afternoon that his lefty ace is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday.

Hamels' live throwing session last Friday was canceled because of a "fatigued arm." The 30-year-old said he needed to "step back and start over."

Well, maybe this is step one in starting over, but it seems like every step will be an unknown.

We'll have to wait and see until Wednesday if the Phils' all-important arm has some more life to it.

Lee on track, Howard hits fifth
The Phillies lost another spring game on Monday, 8-1, to the Braves.

A couple things to note:

• Cliff Lee struck out five in 3 2/3 innings of two-run ball. For all the club's starting pitching woes, Lee looks just fine and on schedule. That's a relief for fans.

• Ryan Howard hit fifth and went 0 for 2 with a walk, as Marlon Byrd batted cleanup. Sandberg told reporters he wanted to "split up the left-handed bats" of Chase Utley and Howard, and that it was "something to try in spring training … it gives us another look." 

Spring is the time to experiment and it looks like that's exactly what Sandberg is doing.

What's next?
David Buchanan starts Tuesday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., as the Phillies take on the Braves.

After Hamels' setback, Burnett, Gonzalez rocked

A day after Cole Hamels realized he needed to "step back and start over" in preparation for the 2014 season because of a "fatigued arm," the Phillies' starting pitching got no better on Friday.

A.J. Burnett and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez were shelled in Sarasota, Fla., as the Phils were eviscerated by the Orioles, 15-4.

The game was not televised locally, but here were the lines for Burnett and Gonzalez.

Burnett: 3 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO

Gonzalez: 1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 SO

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Matt Gelb, Gonzalez was burned by a few seeing-eye singles, but was erratic and fell behind five of his nine batters faced, while his fastball clocked between 88-90 mph.

Sure, it's only spring training, but just about nothing has gone right for the club's starting pitching, which, before the team even arrived in Florida, was besieged by question marks.

It's only gotten worse.

At the plate
• Darin Ruf is hitting .316 after clubbing his second homer of the spring

• Marlon Byrd had a hit and an RBI and is batting .368 thus far

• Ryan Howard delivered a two-out, RBI double off of left-hander Brian Matusz

Not just the arms
The Phillies' bats have been just as worrisome as the starting rotation. Among all of baseball this spring, the Phils are dead-last in batting average (.189), on-base percentage (.279), slugging percentage (.301) and extra-base hits (17).

Up next
The Phillies host the Astros on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. Righty Roberto Hernandez will make his third spring start.

Phillies play some small ball in spring training tie

Although the game ended with a thud and little offense (again), the Phillies showed a nice sign in Wednesday’s 2-2 tie against the Braves at Bright House Field.

Small ball.

In the seventh inning, the Phils manufactured a go-ahead run with two singles, a sacrifice bunt and a groundout.

Now, three of the four players (Cameron Rupp, Reid Brignac, Tony Gwynn Jr.) that played a part in it will likely be left off the opening-day roster, but still, it’s good to see the Phillies putting it to practice.

This team is not the 2008 club. That’s stating the obvious. The Phils can no longer rely on bashing home runs and erasing deficits with one swing of the bat.

So you better bet the Phillies’ offensive approach will see more small-ball decisions from Ryne Sandberg.

A tie?
An errant throw down the third baseline by relief pitcher Brad Lincoln allowed the Braves’ game-tying run in the top of the ninth inning.

After the Phils went scoreless in the bottom half of the frame, that was it.

No extra innings. Instead, a 2-2 tie.

Touching tribute
Prior to the game, the Phillies and Braves paid homage to the late Jim Fregosi.

It was a wonderful ceremony comprised of a video tribute and special words and appearances from friends, colleagues, players and teammates.

The Phillies always do a great job with their various types of ceremonies. They did it again with class in remembering Fregosi.

Verlander, Tanaka next
Half of the Phils' spring-training roster will travel to Lakeland, Fla., on Thursday to take on Justin Verlander and the Tigers.

The other half will stay in Clearwater, Fla., to face the Yankees and their prized offseason acquisition Masahiro Tanaka.

Per CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury, here are the Phillies' lineups for both games. Kyle Kendrick opposes Tanaka, while David Buchanan starts versus Verlander. Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez will follow Buchanan.

In Clearwater vs. Yankees

1. Freddy Galvis, SS
2. Kevin Frandsen, 3B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Marlon Byrd, RF
6. Domonic Brown, LF
7. Carlos Ruiz, C
8. John Mayberry Jr., CF
9. Reid Brignac, DH

In Lakeland vs. Tigers

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Darin Ruf, 1B
5. Maikel Franco, DH
6. Cody Asche, 3B
7. Tony Gwynn Jr., LF
8. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
9. Wil Nieves, C

First glimpse of Gonzalez; Martin injury update

The "Mystery Man" becomes somewhat less of a mystery on Saturday.

Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez is set to make his highly anticipated debut in red pinstripes today against the Yankees (1:05 p.m., MLB Network), as the 27-year-old native of Cuba is scheduled to throw two innings in relief.

All eyes will be glued to Gonzalez — especially those of Phillies officials.

The righty comes with plenty of hype but fluctuating expectations.

Hence, the "Mystery Man" label.

From Clearwater, CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury has more on that here.

Martin shut down for three weeks
Pitcher Ethan Martin will not throw for at least three weeks before being reevaluated after being diagnosed with a strain of his right shoulder capsule and triceps, the Phillies announced Saturday morning.

Martin was clearly not himself Thursday when he hovered around 85 mph after clocking in the mid-90s last season as a rookie.

Today's lineups
Right-hander David Buchanan starts for the Phils and opposes Yankees lefty CC Sabathia.

Phillies

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Domonic Brown, LF
4. Marlon Byrd, DH
5. Bobby Abreu, RF
6. Darin Ruf, 1B
7. Cody Asche, 3B
8. Cameron Rupp, C
9. Cesar Hernandez, 2B

A leg forward: Ryan Howard oozing with confidence

Is Ryan Howard out of his mind?

That’s probably what many across the Delaware Valley were thinking on Saturday when Howard optimistically said he’s capable of playing 162 games and hitting 58 home runs again.

Howard, the guy who is 34 years old, who has played 151 games the last two seasons, and has hit 58 home runs over the previous three seasons, thinks he’s capable of playing 162 and hitting 58 in one season?

Unrealistic? Maybe. Confident? Definitely.

And that’s the great thing.

No one knows Howard better than himself, and the fact that a giant smile flashed across his face on Saturday while saying he has two legs and his swing is coming back, should be music to the ears of Phillies fans.

Howard’s left leg became a nightmare the past two seasons. Significant injuries to the Achilles and knee of his oh-so-critical power side turned the Big Piece into the Broken Piece.

But Howard says he’s no longer broken and his left leg — his power source — is back.

"I feel like I can play 162 games," Howard said. "My whole offseason was dedicated to trying to play all 162, plus trying to make it to the playoffs. My goal isn’t to come out here and try to play 120 games. That’s not why I play baseball.

"Am I capable of hitting 40-plus home runs? Absolutely. If I doubt myself, nobody else will believe in me. I feel I’m capable of hitting 58 home runs. I did it once. I feel that I’m capable of doing that every year."

Why would Howard say it if he didn’t truly believe it?

There's the saying, "Actions speak louder than words."

But, right now, Howard’s words are better than nothing.

It's over: Phils, Revere reach deal, avoid arbitration

To no surprise, Ben Revere and the Phillies avoided arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $1.95 million deal.

Revere became the fourth and final arbitration-eligible Phillie to ink a one-year deal, joining Kyle Kendrick, John Mayberry Jr. and Antonio Bastardo.

Revere made $515,000 in 2013 and asked for a 2014 salary of $2.425 million, while the team offered $1.4 million.

So Revere’s midpoint was just over $1.9 million. Turns out, both parties landed right around that.

And with that, the arbitration talks thankfully come to an end.

How Ryan Howard handcuffs Phils not just financially

For fans, Ryan Howard's non-existence the past two seasons has been irking for a few reasons.

One, the 34-year-old is being paid $125 million over five seasons. Not only has he not performed, but he's also handcuffed the Phillies financially.

And two, the Phils have declined right along with their injury-riddled slugger. They're no longer running the NL East. In fact, they haven't even contended since they last won the division in 2011.

But lost in the mess is the impeded progress of the organization's youngsters.

Darin Ruf, the 2012 Paul Owens Award winner for best player in the Phillies' farm system, clubbed a minor-league leading 38 home runs that season at Double A Reading. Since, the Phils have tried turning the natural first baseman into an outfielder, where he's fluttered between left and right field.

The move has reinforced the notion that Howard's at first base and there's no real moving him.

Now the Phillies have a good predicament at third base. Cody Asche, 23, and Maikel Franco, 21, both look primed for promising careers, but both play the hot corner. Because of it, the Phils are attempting to try Franco at first base, but they don’t seem fully committed.

"He's a third baseman," GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said on Jan. 16. "He may get some work at first base, but he's primarily a third baseman."

Sure, the Phillies may want Franco to develop at his natural position, but having Howard firmly planted at first base likely has a say in why Franco may not transition into a first baseman.

Furthermore, Asche was even discussed about playing some outfield last season as well. That's to potentially open a spot for Franco down the road.

Now all this just amplifies the pressure even more for a finally healthy Howard to rebound — and he certainly could.

But still: Three prospects, three talks or attempts at position changes.

Why?

Ryan Howard.

Arbitration avoided: Mayberry, Phils agree to deal

Beerleaguer’s favorite Phillie has avoided arbitration.

On Friday, the Phils announced that they have agreed to a one-year, $1.587 million deal, which includes award bonuses, with John Mayberry Jr.

Last season, Mayberry, who hit .227 to go along with a .286 OBP, made $517,000.

That’s quite a raise.

Like we previously wrote, the Phillies have a track record of avoiding arbitration. With Mayberry and Kyle Kendrick signed, Ben Revere and Antonio Bastardo are left. Don’t be surprised to see them signed soon.

Buchanan coming to camp
David Buchanan, a 24-year-old right-handed starting pitcher, has been added the Phils’ spring training camp as a non-roster invitee, the club announced Friday.

Buchanan finished last season with Triple A Lehigh Valley.

Charlie’s back, as reported
Also on Friday, the Phillies officially announced Charlie Manuel’s return to the organization, as CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury reported on Wednesday.

According to the team, Manuel will serve as a senior advisor to GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and will work with minor-league hitters, scout at both the major and minor-league levels as well as being a consultant for the baseball operations staff.

Kendrick, Phils avoid arbitration with one-year deal

No thank you, arbitration.

Kyle Kendrick and the Phillies avoided just that on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $7.675 million deal that includes award bonuses.

Kendrick’s 2013 was a tale of two halves. In the first half, the righty gave the Phils a serious shot in the arm, going 8-6 with a 3.68 ERA and 13 quality starts. In the second half, Kendrick was a serious liability, going 2-7 with a 6.91 ERA.

As a result, it made Kendrick (10-13, 4.70 ERA) an incredibly tough read.

Yet, the Phillies have a history of avoiding arbitration, and did so with Kendrick, who typically eats up innings — as a starter or in relief — and could very much be the rotation’s No. 3 arm this season behind Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels and ahead of Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, Roberto Hernandez or others.

Ben Revere, John Mayberry Jr. and Antonio Bastardo are still eligible for arbitration hearings. If the Phils and the aforementioned players do not agree to contracts, hearings are scheduled at the start of February.

But for now, it’s Kendrick leading off with a done deal.

Byrd saves Phillies -- literally -- in right field

There are plenty of cons to signing Marlon Byrd.

By now, you’ve probably heard them all.

But you cannot deny the vast upgrade Byrd offers defensively. That alone should win the Phillies some games, and the proof is in the pudding.

Last season, the Phils were as stable in right field with the glove as a baby giraffe taking its first steps. OK, not that unstable, but legitimately poor.

Phillies rightfielders were worth negative-19 runs saved in 2013, 28th in baseball ahead of only the Rockies and Astros. Byrd was worth positive-12 runs saved, good for sixth best among MLB rightfielders. The 36-year-old also racked up 10 assists, third most at his position behind only Gerardo Parra (15) and Jay Bruce (13), two of the elite outfield arms in the business.

To demonstrate the value of defense, consider this: Among the majors last season, the Phillies ranked second-to-last in UZR (minus-42.2). Five of the bottom six teams in UZR -- Rockies, Astros, Twins, Phillies, Mariners -- finished a combined 335-475 (.414 winning percentage).

The other team was the Cardinals, who made up for subpar range by making the routine plays and producing off-the-chart numbers at the plate.

Winning teams typically are clean in the field, cover ground and limit extra outs.

Defense does in fact win games.

So yes, Byrd comes with many risks. But defensively, he shores up a glaring weakness.

Age just a number? Phillies must prove that

At the start of spring training last season, Chase Utley said: "Age is a number — it depends on how you treat your body and how you take care of it."

That is up for great debate this offseason as the aging Phillies grow even older.

After finishing 2013 with the organization’s fewest wins (73) since 2000, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is now leaning on these mid-30 Phils for another run.

As many pleaded for added youth, Amaro went out and signed 36-year-old Marlon Byrd and re-signed 34-year-old Carlos Ruiz.

With that, here’s an early projection of the Phillies’ starting lineup with ages of each player entering opening day:

1. Ben Revere - 25
2. Jimmy Rollins - 35
3. Chase Utley - 35
4. Ryan Howard - 34
5. Marlon Byrd - 36
6. Domonic Brown - 26
7. Carlos Ruiz - 35
8. Cody Asche - 23

That’s a lineup with an average age of 31. The Phils finished last season as the majors' third-oldest team, and so far this offseason, they're not getting any younger.

"Yes, they’re older," Amaro said on Thursday of the Phillies’ core. "But they’re also very good when they’re playing."

Some players do become better with age. Torii Hunter, 38, hit over .300 the past two seasons for the first time in his 16-year career. In 2008, David Ortiz totaled his fewest games, home runs and RBIs since 2002. The next season, he hit .238. But from 2011-13, Ortiz hit .311 to go along with 82 home runs, 259 RBIs and a World Championship to his name.

In fact, the defending world champion Red Sox are older than the Phillies as of today.

Yes, only a few examples, but it’s not terribly outlandish to think the Phils’ nucleus can be productive and, with some help, transform the club back into a contender.

Yet, it is risky. And Amaro knows that. In September, he admitted: "I always feel under the gun. I put myself under the gun.

"I’m the GM of the club, so I fully expect to take heat. I’m the one who is making the decisions on player personnel. I’m accountable for the things that have happened. I have not had a very good year; our team did not have a very good year.

"We win as a team and lose as a team, but the fact of the matter is I should take a lot of heat. I need to be better, and our guys need to be better. We need to evaluate better, we need to make better decisions," (see story).

So is age truly just a number? The 2014 Phillies have a chance to affirm that.

When Amaro re-signed Jimmy Rollins in December of 2011, the longtime shortstop was asked if he thought he’d be in red pinstripes for the rest of his career.

Rollins said he didn’t know.

"This organization isn’t going to stop for me, and it shouldn’t," he said. "It has to keep going forward.

"You can’t play forever."

Like Utley said, age is a number. But it can also be a harsh reality.

Phils' 'priority' — Ruiz — being pursued by Rockies?

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said re-signing Carlos Ruiz this offseason is "a priority."

But it won’t be easy because teams are interested in Ruiz and all that he brings to the table.

According to a report by the Denver Post, the Rockies are one of those teams. The report says, per multiple major-league sources, Colorado is pursuing the free-agent Ruiz.

Why would the Rockies want Ruiz when their own catcher, Wilin Rosario, hit .292 with 21 home runs and 79 RBIs in 121 games last season? Well, Ruiz would be a significant upgrade defensively and the 24-year-old Rosario has experience — albeit very little — playing the corner infield positions, spots in which Colorado has nothing set in stone.

Amaro will have to fight and fend off many to retain Ruiz, and that shouldn't be surprising. The soon-to-be-35-year-old has been constantly lauded for his ability to handle a pitching staff and call a game. Add in his experience and more-than-capable bat, and Ruiz is a hot target on the market.

After completing a four-year, $13.35 million deal, according to CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury, Ruiz is looking for a multiyear deal and all signs point to the catcher believing it’s time to get paid (see story).

Doing so is "a priority" for the Phillies — and possibly many others.

On this day ... well, kind of

As the 2013 World Series continues, let’s take a look back at one of the most memorable moments in Philadelphia sports history.

On this day (sort of), Oct. 27, Game 5 of the 2008 World Series was started but then postponed … remember that torrential rain which soaked Citizens Bank Park and delayed Philly’s first championship celebration since 1983?

But I guess the wait made it that much sweeter. Anyway, as you all know, the Phillies eventually finished off Game 5 on Oct. 29 to win the organization its first World Series title since 1980.

And, without further ado, here’s Mr. Perfect capping off that unforgettable 2008 season with Harry the K on the call.

Enjoy:

 

Checking in on ex-Phillies in the 2013 postseason

Who would have ever thought that it would actually be weird watching a postseason without the Phillies?

But after five straight playoff berths from 2007-11, this second consecutive postseason without the Phils kind of feels that way.

It also makes you keep an eye out for ex-Phillies enjoying the playoffs in another uniform.

Let’s take a look at the former Phils in this year's postseason and see how they did/are doing.

And we’ll start with the guy the Phillies are probably missing the most.

Shane Victorino — Red Sox (Four games, moving onto ALCS)
.429 AVG. (6 for 14), 2 R, 3 RBI, 1 SB, 4 HBP, .556 OBP

Delmon Young — Rays (Five games, eliminated by Red Sox in ALDS)
.272 AVG. (3 for 11), 1 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, .308 OBP

Michael Young — Dodgers (Three games, moving onto NLCS)
.333 AVG., (1 for 3), .333 OBP

Marlon Byrd — Pirates (Five games, plays Cardinals in Game 5 of NLDS tonight)
.278 AVG., (5 for 18), 4 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 6 SO, .316 OBP

Michael Bourn — Indians (One game, eliminated by Rays in AL wild-card game)
.000 AVG. (0 for 4), 2 SO

Addition: Brandon Moss — A's
How could I forget Brandon Moss? The A's first baseman/outfielder held a lengthy career with the Phillies comprised of five games, six at-bats and no hits.

This postseason for Oakland in four games: .133 AVG. (2 for 15), 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 BB, 10 SO, .278 OBP

Others to note
Nick Punto appeared in one game for the Dodgers as a defensive replacement. … John McDonald did not make the Red Sox’s ALDS roster.

(Did we miss anyone?)

Larry Bowa rejoining Phillies as new bench coach?

Do you want Larry Bowa back in Phillies pinstripes?

You may get your wish.

A baseball source tells CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury that Bowa is nearing an agreement to become the Phillies’ new bench coach.

This would be Bowa’s fourth go-around with the organization. He played 12 seasons for the Phillies, coached them from 1989-96 before managing the club from 2001-04.

Bowa was traded with Ryne Sandberg in 1982 to the Chicago Cubs, where the two served as double-play partners and Sandberg turned into a Hall-of-Famer.

Would it be a good move to bring back the fiery Bowa?

To read Salisbury’s story, click here.

Quotable: Cliff Lee admits he's running out of time

Cliff Lee finished his 2013 with a doozy.

And somehow a loss.

Lee struck out 13, allowed one run on three hits in eight splendid innings, but took the defeat in the Phillies' 1-0 loss to the Braves on Friday night in Atlanta.

Lee struck out 54 batters and walked one in the final month of the season, becoming the first pitcher in history to strike out 50 or more and walk one or less in a calendar month.

Afterward, Lee provided some very telling quotes about his future -- surprising candor from the usually laid-back lefty.

Here’s what he had to say, per CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury:

"I’m getting up there in age. I’m 35 years old now and when this contract’s over I plan on going home, so I’m running out of opportunities. All I can control is what I can control, and I’m going to do everything I can to help us win. That’s all I know how to do.

"Right now, I don’t (see myself pitching beyond this contract). There are a lot of things that can happen between now and then, but I just know that my kids are 12 and 10 and I’ve basically missed the first half of their lives.

"I’m financially able to shut it down, so … that’s how I feel right now. But when the time comes I might look at it differently.

"I also want to finish being good, not struggling and fumbling through at the end. I want to finish strong and take it to the house. Next year, I want to win a World Series, then another one, then another one and take it to the house. That’s what I’m wanting to do."

Game 160: Lee makes final hoorah of 2013

Although this season has been the polar opposite off enjoyable, Cliff Lee has been fun to watch -- as usual -- all year.

On Friday night in Atlanta, fans will get there last bit of enjoyment from Lee as the southpaw makes his final start of the season when the Phillies take on the NL East-champion Braves.

Lee has struck out 41 to just one walk in four starts this month. He’ll be vying for his 15th win this season.

He opposes Braves right-hander Kris Medlen.

Wells is back
Casper Wells, who was on the disabled list with vision problems, has been activated and is available for tonight’s game.

Lineups

Phillies

1. Cesar Hernandez, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Carlos Ruiz, C
5. Domonic Brown, LF
6. Darin Ruf, 1B
7. Cody Asche, 3B
8. Roger Bernadina, RF
9. Cliff Lee, P

Braves

1. Jason Heyward, CF
2. Reed Johnson, LF
3. Justin Upton, RF
4. Freddie Freeman, 1B
5. Evan Gattis, C
6. Chris Johnson, 3B
7. Andrelton Simmons, SS
8. Dan Uggla, 2B
9. Kris Medlen, P 

Rollins, Utley showing they're not done just yet

In the Phillies' 2-1 win over the Marlins on Tuesday night, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley started their 1,068th game together as double-play partners.

That’s the most in baseball among active combos.

So at age 34, the Rollins-Utley connection is still kickin' ... actually, it’s still kickin' quite well.

The longtime Phils are both closing 2013 on high notes as the team finishes its first losing season since 2002.

Manager Ryne Sandberg challenged Rollins to adjust his approach at the plate, level his swing and reach base more frequently. Since Sandberg took over Aug. 16, Rollins' on-base percentage has risen from .306 to .321. Over his last 13 games, Rollins is hitting .367 (18 for 49) with 11 runs scored, six doubles and seven walks.

Utley’s been just as good. In his last 18 games, he’s hitting .354 (23 for 65) with 16 RBIs. Utley’s 18 homers, 68 RBIs, 49 extra-base hits and 220 total bases this season are his most since 2009, and he currently owns the third-best OPS (.823) among MLB second basemen.

Words like "rebuild, revamp, turnover" are popular ones during this organization's time of uncertainty following such a proud run.

But why not reshape around Rollins and Utley? That's the vision of GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and what’s wrong with it?

Baseball today is so statistically driven that experience so often becomes grossly overlooked.

No, Rollins isn’t the same player from 2007 that won NL MVP, nor is Utley the same player that slugged 22-30 homers and knocked in 93-105 runs for five straight seasons from 2005-09. But the two do bring a world championship, two World Series appearances and five division crowns to the table.

Utley is the model of work ethic and Rollins is a constant vocal example. Those types of presences could be invaluable to the Phillies’ youngsters of the future.

The double-play combo since 2004 is still producing — an added bonus to coincide with intangibles that are just as important.

Both Rollins and Utley will be 35 when 2014 spring training rolls around. But as Utley said prior to this season, "Age is a number — it depends on how you treat your body and how you take care of it."

Rollins and Utley are still the faces of this franchise, and building another nucleus around them may not be a bad idea.

It could go a long way in bringing another parade down Broad Street.

Amaro, Sandberg talk World Series expectations

Surprise, surprise: The Phillies officially removed the interim label from Ryne Sandberg on Sunday and named him the club’s 52nd manager.

The announcement was expected and more just a matter of time.

Sandberg signed a three-year deal through 2016 with a club option for 2017.

The Phils are 18-16 under Sandberg and it seems that the team has embraced the Hall of Famer’s changes and managing philosophy.

Here’s some of what Ruben Amaro Jr. and Sandberg had to say at today’s press conference.

Amaro:

"We are ecstatic as an organization to have Ryne Sandberg lead us on the field over the next several years and for the foreseeable future. I just sat down a couple minutes ago to let the players know and the energy in the room was extraordinary. I’m kind of excited about it frankly. This is a man who has worked his way through the minor leagues and he has unbelievable Hall of Fame credentials, but I think more importantly than that, he’s a very, very good baseball man. I think he’s going to carry us forward and do what’s necessary to put another ring on our finger and that’s really the goal to get back and be a world champion and I think we have a great start with Ryne Sandberg at the helm."

Sandberg:

"Well, I’m ecstatic to say the least. I’ve worn a Phillies uniform before and in some ways it’s full circle for me. I’m looking forward to working with Ruben and the hard-working coaching staff that will be in place and the whole organization. I think it’s team work from top to bottom which gets it done. To be in this position, I’m thrilled with the opportunity. I’m also excited about the potential for next year with the core players we’ll have in place that will help lead the way, but also the young potential players that have shown the last month what they can do.

"I think it’s a bright future, I’m ecstatic about being here. I also want to introduce my wife Margaret. We’re a team off the field and I know that she’s the biggest Phillies fan around. We do it together and I’ve got great support and couldn’t be happier about this. This is a top-notch organization. I think the standards have been set on what the expectations are, especially the last nine or 10 years and that’s the goal is to get back to that, as Ruben said, as soon as possible.

"I think with this tough year that we had this year, I think some good things came out of it and that’s the experience of the younger players. I think that will kick in next year. In a lot of ways, it’s a dream job and it’s a dream come true and it’s a very exciting day for me."

How early in the process did you know Ryne was going to be the guy?

Amaro:

"As you know, we were deciding if Ryne was the right person for us. I think we had an inkling from his body of work and the work he did for us. We had to take into account a lot of the things that Ryne had done, not just with our organization, but when he was with the Cubs and his playing experience. It was very, very clear to me, right from the get go that the way he handled the transition during a very, very difficult period and having to take over for an icon of sorts in our Phillies history in Charlie, it was very, very difficult circumstances and I think he handled it very, very well. I think he handled the players well, the clubhouse very well. We kind of gave him free reign of what he needed to do and I really liked the instincts of how he handled things. As far as how early in the process, not until pretty recently did we decide that this was direction we wanted to go."

What was the energy like in the clubhouse?

Sandberg:

"They used one of my key lines, ‘I see ya.’ I heard about 40 ‘I see ya’ [lines]. It’s one of the things I say. Some clapping. It was nice. I enjoy the ballplayers. I enjoy my players. I ask a lot of them and we work together. That goes a long way. I continue to do that. I want them to be the best players they can be and I want us to be the best team we can be."

Did you talk to players about the decision?

Amaro:

"Obviously we have to do our due diligence and observe. As far as observing the players and observing how they react, how they play, the level of play, did talk to some players about Ryne and some people who were close to Ryne and had a chance to be with them. Certainly we try to do our due diligence. We got very, very positive feedback, pretty much across the board on him. The players don’t make decisions for us. It’s not their job, but it’s also important to know and have a sense of how they feel about their direct report. We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback, but that wasn’t the deciding factor. The deciding factor was that we believe this is the right man for this job."

Expectations are going to change now. Can this team compete for a postseason berth next year?

Sandberg:

"Well, that’s the goal. I think we have a very nice core of veteran players that will help lead the way, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, just to name a few. I think the bullpen has come a long way with the young arms this year in a growing year where that bullpen could actually be a bright spot next year, which could be a big help. Along with other decisions that have to be made and players to be talked about, I do like the fact the young players and how they’ve played and how they might fit in next year bringing energy and athleticism to the team. And with that combination the goal is to contend every year and to get to a World Series."

Utley quietly enjoying best season since 2009

It wasn’t long ago when critics began presuming that Chase Utley was possibly breaking down into early retirement because of chronic knee issues.

In fact, it was spring training 2012 when Utley’s career was deemed up in the air.

How foolish.

Now, Utley is showing he can stay healthy — thanks to a new training regimen — and that he’s still one of the more productive players at his position in baseball.

On Tuesday, Utley drilled his second three-run homer in as many nights to back Roy Halladay in the Phillies’ 6-4 win over the Marlins.

(To read more about Halladay's possible last home start as a Phillie, click here.)

This has been a season of very few highlights, but how about Utley?

The 34-year-old, hitting .280, has notched his most home runs (18) and RBIs (66) since 2009, and owns the third-best OPS (.831) among MLB second basemen behind only New York Yankee Robinson Cano and St. Louis Cardinal Matt Carpenter.

Not too shabby.

Over his last 12 games, Utley is batting .395 (17 for 43) with three doubles, two homers and 14 RBIs. Aside from a rib injury (which cost him 28 games in the first half) that seemed more freakish than a reoccurring problem, Utley looks not only like an everyday guy, but also one of the best of the best at second base — labels many thought he’d never wear again.

He’s done. Don’t re-sign him. Thanks for the memories, Chase.

Many blurted or shared those same feelings from spring 2012 to now.

And I'd bet Utley hasn’t forgotten.

Decisions, decisions: Doc making for tough call

Could this be the final month Roy Halladay dons a Phillies uniform?

The 36-year-old is making life in the club's front office awfully difficult these days.

To re-sign Doc or to not re-sign Doc?

Halladay had another arduous start on Thursday in the Phils' 10-5 win. The righty finished 4 1/3 innings with five walks, one hit batsman and five runs (four earned) allowed.

He walked into trouble during the fifth by throwing four consecutive free passes for the first time in his career. When Ryne Sandberg came out of the dugout to relieve his starter, a fuming Halladay spiked the rosin bag and gritted his teeth in anger.

Over his last two starts, Halladay has 10 walks, three hit batsmen, 114 strikes and 86 balls. In 2010, he walked just 30 in 33 starts.

Halladay has continually said he’s working on a new arm slot. A mechanical change like that after throwing another way your entire career can take time, but are the Phillies willing to bring back an aging pitcher besieged by so many question marks?

Here’s some interesting stuff from Halladay, per CSNPhilly.com’s John Finger, after his outing:

"I kind of lost my base in the fifth inning. I was just kind of collapsing. It was frustrating because I felt good, I was really looking forward to pitching today. For the most part we were right where we wanted to be and then that fifth inning, my lower half kind of disappeared from me. In the past I’ve been able to make things work, but it seems like right now I need everything to click. When I lost my lower half it was tough to really drive and stay strong on the front side, and as a result a lot of the balls were down.

"It’s not so much frustration as it is patience. It’s hard to be patient. You go from not knowing if you’re ever going to pitch again to getting back and then as soon as you’re back you expect to dominate. It’s just not the way it works. I have to be patient with that. I feel like I’ve come a long way and I’m very optimistic moving forward and I feel like I’m going in the right direction. It’s just a matter of avoiding an inning or two — avoiding certain mechanical things or stuff like that. That’s what’s tough for me.

"In all honesty, I’m proud of the fact that I made it back and that a lot of guys my age could be at home, could be not pitching, could never pitch again. I feel like I beat some of those odds and that’s what I look at. I woke up this morning and it’s like Christmas morning getting to pitch again after sitting out and watching the team and not being a part of it. It’s a completely different thrill to be able to go out there and pitch now. I want to do a better job for us."

It would be incredibly tough to give up on a player like Halladay. Aren’t you glad you’re not making the decision?

Papelbon blows it, but Galvis saves it

Freddy Galvis sure looks happy to be back in the big leagues.

The September call-up went 4 for 5 on Saturday night and saved his biggest hit for last, a walk-off homer in the ninth inning to lift the Phillies over the Braves, 6-5.

Galvis’ second walk-off dinger of the season came after Jonathan Papelbon blew his seventh save by surrendering a two-out, two-strike, two-run homer to Andrelton Simmons. Of Papelbon’s seven blown saves, six have come with two outs in the inning.

But Galvis quickly brought joy back to Citizens Bank Park.

It was a good night for the Phils before Papelbon’s uncoiling.

Carlos Ruiz had two hits, three RBIs and is batting .327 in his last 31 games. Cesar Hernandez had three hits and two runs scored out of the leadoff spot. Kevin Frandsen had three hits and Chase Utley had two.

Kyle Kendrick pitched just his second quality start over his last eight outings. He snapped his career-high-tying four-game losing skid by tying his career high with eight strikeouts through six innings of three-run ball.

Justin De Fratus and Jake Diekman combined for two scoreless frames to set things up for Papelbon.

The Phillies’ 5-3 lead would not hold, but it made Galvis’ return to the club that much sweeter.

What’s next?
The Phils (65-77) go for a sweep of the NL-leading Braves (85-56) on Sunday when Cole Hamels (6-13, 3.50) opposes Atlanta lefty Paul Maholm (10-10, 4.41).

Lee baffles Braves, Asche keeps raking in Phils' win

The Phillies beat the Braves in a jiffy on Friday night, 2-1, behind a marvelous Cliff Lee and the rising Cody Asche.

Lee won his 12th game by throwing eight dominant innings. The lefty whiffed 10 Braves, gave up just two hits and one run while retiring his final 13 batters faced.

The win was the Phils’ shortest nine-inning game of the season at two hours and 14 minutes.

The 23-year-old Asche gave Lee his lead in the seventh inning with a two-out, two-run homer to right-center field on the first pitch of his at-bat. It was the rookie’s second hit of the night and the Phillies’ fourth and final hit of the game.

Asche’s average is up to .287 as he’s hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games and is batting .404 (19 for 47) with three doubles, one triple, two home runs and 11 RBIs over that span.

And talk about erasing a sluggish start. After opening his debut season 1 for 17, Asche is hitting .333.

Asche has also demonstrated positive strides with the glove. He did so, again, in the ninth inning on Friday with a splendid play on a high chopper down the line off the bat of B.J. Upton. Asche made an instinct grab with his bare hand and whipped a quick throw to first base to retire Upton for the first out of the frame.

Does the rookie have third base locked up next season? It's hard to argue against that.

Jonathan Papelbon earned his 25th save and has very quietly run off 10 straight scoreless innings, lowering his ERA to 2.30.

What’s next?
The Phillies (64-77) continue their three-game set with the MLB-leading Braves (85-55) when Kyle Kendrick (10-12, 4.51) opposes Atlanta lefty Alex Wood (3-3, 3.15) on Saturday night.

Halladay scrapes and claws, but Phillies lose late

If you didn’t watch the Phillies on Wednesday night and heard that Roy Halladay went six innings and left with a 2-1 lead, you would probably think Doc was on his game.

He was far from it.

In six innings, Halladay walked five batters, hit two and threw 49 pitches in his first two frames, but found a way to toss six innings of one-run ball. However, the Phils couldn't hold a 2-1 lead after Halladay's exit and fell to the Nationals, 3-2.

But back to Halladay.

If any pitcher were to survive five walks and two hit-batters, it would be Halladay. The 6-foot-6 righty will grind and grit through innings as well as anyone, and he did that on Wednesday.

Halladay wiggled out of a bases loaded, no-out jam in the first inning by permitting just one run on a sac fly. He left two stranded in the second and three in the sixth. He endured six innings by retiring nine of 10 batters from the third through the fifth to finish his outing with 99 pitches (57 strikes, 42 balls) and five strikeouts.

Nevertheless, Halladay's command has been far too anomalous for comfort, which is something to keep a close eye on over the final month.

As for the bullpen, Washington (71-68) tied the game in the seventh inning on a solo homer by Ryan Zimmerman off Zach Miner. In the eighth, Jake Diekman walked the leadoff man who then scored on the combination of a sacrifice bunt, stolen base and fielder’s choice. Prior to Wednesday, Diekman had thrown 10 straight scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts and one walk.

Chase Utley nearly tied the game in the eighth by busting home on a wild pitch but was tagged out by diving catcher Jhonatan Solano just before the second baseman's fingertips reached the plate.

With the loss, the Phillies drop to 63-77.

Side notes

• Halladay made his 100th start in a Phils uniform and pitched his 70th quality start with the club.

• Cesar Hernandez certainly looks like a future big-league leadoff hitter. He’s smart, disciplined and understands situations. On Monday, the 23-year-old turned a 1-2 count into a leadoff walk to jumpstart the Phillies' eighth-inning, two-run rally in the team's 3-2 win over the Nationals. On Wednesday, he worked a nine-pitch walk to lead off the game and finished 2 for 3 while knocking in the Phils' only runs.

• Jimmy Rollins is 4 for his last 34 (.118)

• Darin Ruf is 3 for his last 28 (.107) with 14 strikeouts

• Cody Asche has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, a stretch in which he’s batting .386. Since his 1-for-17 start to the season, Asche is hitting .321.

What’s next?
The Phillies welcome the MLB-leading Braves (85-54) to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game series this weekend. Here are the probable pitching matchups:


Friday — LH Mike Minor (13-5, 3.08) vs. LH Cliff Lee (11-6, 3.09)



Saturday — LH Alex Wood (3-3, 3.15) vs. RH Kyle Kendrick (10-12, 4.51)



Sunday — LH Paul Maholm (10-10, 4.41) vs. LH Cole Hamels (6-13, 3.50)

Phillies' vets come through in win over Nationals

If you're a fan of pitching duels, Citizens Bank Park must have been paradise on Monday night.

Cole Hamels and Stephen Strasburg were dealing and the offenses couldn't do much about it.

In the end, with both starters out, Jimmy Rollins showed shades of yesterday by sparking and punctuating a late charge alongside Carlos Ruiz for a 3-2 Phillies win over the Nationals.

But how about that pitching?

Check out these lines:

Strasburg: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 K

Hamels: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K

It was disconcerting when Ryne Sandberg pulled Hamels after just 87 pitches. The lefty was due up second in the bottom of the eighth inning, but was yanked after his seventh frame.

What was up?

Afterward, per CSNPhilly.com's John Finger, Hamels said he had a rough pregame bullpen session because of a sore back, so the Phils were simply playing it safe. The left-hander said he was feeling soreness after bar hopping in Chicago. He was kidding. It was because of the team's busy schedule of late.

Hamels has now thrown eight straight quality starts but has just two wins over that stretch (2-1, 1.98 ERA).

With the Phillies trailing 2-1 in the eighth inning, the bats went on a two-out rally. Cesar Hernandez worked a walk, Rollins doubled him home before Ruiz delivered the go-ahead RBI. Rollins scored on a Ruiz single by using a textbook headfirst slide to elude the tag.

Turns out, Monday was the 2008 World Series crew providing a flash of old memories.

What's next?
Ethan Martin (2-3, 6.39) opposes Nationals lefty Gio Gonzalez (8-6, 3.56) on Tuesday night.

Road-weary Phillies suffer bad loss to Cubs

Sunday was a futile effort from the Phillies, all the way around.

Kyle Kendrick’s troubling second half continued while the offense had just four hits and one runner in scoring position, adding up to a 7-1 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The Phils (62-73) dropped two of three games to Chicago (56-78) and have not won a road series since July 2-4.

Kendrick fell behind in counts, left balls over the plate and the Cubs capitalized. Chicago forced Kendrick into a 30-pitch first inning and plated five runs in the righty’s first four innings.

Kendrick finished with six innings and allowed five runs on eight hits. In his last 12 starts, Kendrick is 3-8 with a 6.23 ERA.

The offense didn’t offer much, either.

Cubs starter Jake Arrieta threw 57 strikes to 45 balls, but the Phillies mustered only three hits against the righty and one run.

That run came off the bat of Darin Ruf, who hit a solo homer to center field in the fourth inning.

Michael Young had seven hits in the first two games of the series before being dealt to the Dodgers. The rest of the Phils had just seven hits (7 for 59, .119 avg.) in the final two games of the set -- both losses. In fact, the Phillies had just five more hits (12) the entire weekend than Young had in the first two games.

What’s next?
The Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park to open a nine-game homestand, which starts with three games against the Nationals (68-67).

Here are the probable pitching matchups:

Monday -- RH Stephen Strasburg (6-9, 2.96) vs. LH Cole Hamels (6-13, 3.58)

Tuesday -- LH Gio Gonzalez (8-6, 3.56) vs. RH Ethan Martin (2-3, 6.39)

Wednesday -- RH Jordan Zimmermann (15-8, 3.33) vs. RH Roy Halladay (3-4, 7.94)

Game 137: Asche returns as Phillies go for series

About 11 hours after the Michael Young trade, Cody Asche returns just in time.

After missing the last three games with a hamstring strain, the Phillies’ 23-year-old rookie is back in the lineup for the team's series finale against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday.

Asche is making a loud case to be the Phils’ 2014 starting third baseman. He’s currently riding a nine-game hitting streak in which he’s 12 for his last 32 (.375), and since his 1-for-17 start, Asche is batting .304 with six doubles and 13 RBIs.

Asche’s resurgence shouldn’t come as a surprise. He’s never been one to shoot out of the gate, but that’s never hampered his overall production. At Double A last season, Asche started 5 for 42 (.119) but ended at .300. At Triple A this season, Asche started 7 for 41 (.171) with just one home run, but a .313 June and .318 July led to a .298 average, 15 home runs and 68 RBIs before his promotion to the big leagues.

Asche will start at the hot corner behind Kyle Kendrick (10-11, 4.40). The Phillies’ right-hander has been a different pitcher in the second half and is 4-8 with a 5.61 ERA and .319 opponents’ batting average over his last 15 starts.

Kendrick opposes Chicago righty Jake Arrieta (2-3, 5.91), who started the season with the Orioles. In four starts with the Cubs, the 27-year-old has 17 strikeouts, 14 walks and a 4.50 ERA.

With a victory on Sunday, the Phils would win their first road series since July 2-4.

Hernandez, Martinez recalled
With the trades of Young and John McDonald, the Phillies this morning brought back Cesar Hernandez and Michael Martinez.

Lineups
Roger Bernadina is back in the leadoff spot, Pete Orr starts in left field for Domonic Brown (Achilles) and Kevin Frandsen is at first base with Darin Ruf in right field.

Here are the full lineups for both teams:

Phillies

1. Roger Bernadina, CF
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS
3. Chase Utley, 3B
4. Darin Ruf, RF
5. Cody Asche, 3B
6. Kevin Frandsen, 1B
7. Pete Orr, LF
8. Erik Kratz, C
9. Kyle Kendrick, P

Cubs

1. Starlin Castro, SS
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Nate Schierholtz, RF
5. Ryan Sweeney, CF
6. Donnie Murphy, 3B
7. Brian Bogusevic, LF
8. Welington Castillo, C
9. Jake Arrieta, P

Phils rally in Sandberg's return despite wild Halladay

That was a pretty sweet return for Ryne Sandberg.

The Phillies’ manager was back at Wrigley Field on Friday, the venue in which he turned into a Hall-of-Famer and legend with the Cubs, and his current club came back from five runs down to beat Chicago, 6-5.

Sandberg received a huge ovation when he exchanged lineup cards prior to the game.

Roy Halladay then took the mound in his second start back from shoulder surgery, and was mysteriously erratic. Halladay plunked two batters, threw behind another and nearly hit pitcher Jeff Samardzija when the Cubs’ starter was putting down a sacrifice bunt.

The Chicago temperature was in the mid-90s and Halladay was sweating heavily like anyone else would in such heat. Maybe the perspiration affected his grip. Maybe it was a bad day in which command just wasn’t there.

Regardless, it was not a clean start like Halladay’s first.

The right-hander went five innings, gave up seven hits and five runs in 77 pitches. Halladay's fastball stayed in the 86-87 mph range and hit 88 mph on a few occasions. He walked two, struck out one and allowed two homers -- the first a windblown shot, the second a legit one.

But the Phillies’ bats made Halladay’s outing an afterthought. The Phils scored four runs in the sixth, tied the game in the seventh and won it in the ninth.

Chase Utley tripled home two runs in the sixth to make it 5-3 and Domonic Brown cut it to 5-4 with an RBI groundout. Kevin Frandsen knotted the score with a solo blast in the seventh. In the ninth, Roger Bernadina was hit by a pitch, stole second base and scored the go-ahead run on Michael Young’s fourth hit, a dump-shot single to right field.

The bullpen showed another sign of coming into its own. Zach Miner, Jake Diekman, B.J. Rosenberg and Jonathan Papelbon combined for four innings of scoreless relief.

Diekman has thrown nine straight scoreless innings, surrendering just five hits and one walk while striking out 14. Rosenberg is working on seven consecutive scoreless frames and has held opponents to a .130 batting average (3 for 23) over that span.

Health check
Brown left the game with right heel soreness after hitting in the sixth inning. The All-Star leftfielder was limping while running down the line on his RBI groundout.

According to CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury, it looks like Brown will need some time before he returns. However, also per Salisbury, Cody Asche could be ready in a day or two.

What’s next?
Cliff Lee (11-6, 3.07) opposes Cubs left-hander Chris Rusin (2-3, 2.64) on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m., ET.

Phillies crushed before Sandberg's return to Wrigley

Ethan Martin pitched more innings than his previous outing, but that’s not saying much. After throwing two-thirds of an inning in his last start, the rookie struck out nine against the Mets on Thursday, but threw four frames of three-run ball.

Meanwhile, a little-known pitcher with a 4.95 career ERA stifled the Phillies while his offense blew the doors open in the sixth and seventh innings to blast the Phils, 11-3.

New York right-hander Carlos Torres allowed four hits and one run over 6 2/3 innings, while striking out six, to earn the Mets a split of their four-game series with the Phillies (61-73).

After Martin’s four innings of three runs, relievers Cesar Jimenez and Justin De Fratus surrendered a combined seven runs in 2 2/3 innings. New York (60-72) finished with as many hits as it did runs (11) and its 1-2-3 portion of the order went 9 for 15 (.600) with seven RBIs.

Domonic Brown returned to the starting lineup and had two hits. Roger Bernadina entered the game in the bottom of the fifth inning and smashed a second-deck, two-run homer in the eighth.

That’s all Phils fans could cheer about on Thursday.

What’s next?
Ryne Sandberg returns to Wrigley Field in Chicago where he became a Hall-of-Famer and legend with the Cubs. The Phillies play three afternoon games against Chicago (56-77). Here are the probable pitching matchups:

Friday — RH Roy Halladay (3-4, 7.81) vs. RH Jeff Samardzija (8-11, 4.03)

Saturday — LH Cliff Lee (11-6, 3.07) vs. LH Chris Rusin (2-3, 2.64)

Sunday — RH Kyle Kendrick (10-11, 4.40) vs. RH Jake Arrieta (1-1, 4.50)

Game 134: Brown back in lineup as Phils go for series

On Thursday afternoon, the Phillies shoot for an accomplishment that has eluded them since the All-Star break: win three straight series.

They can do so with a win over the Mets to take three of four games in Citi Field.

Ethan Martin (2-2, 6.33) will have to improve astronomically from his last outing for the Phils to win Thursday. The rookie went just two-thirds of inning his last time out before being yanked for the shortest start by a Phillie (non-injury or weather related) since J.D. Durbin in 2007.

This is Martin’s first look at the Mets (59-72).

The Phillies (61-72) get a big boost with the return of Domonic Brown to lineup. The All-Star leftfielder has been battling inflammation in his right heel and has not started since Saturday.

Brown is back in the cleanup spot of an order that will face right-hander Carlos Torres (2-2, 2.96). The 30-year-old is making his 10th career start. He pitched in 31 games out of the bullpen last season for the Rockies.

The Phils’ active roster has not seen much of Torres. They’re a combined 3 for 11 against the righty with a home run, coming off the bat of Kevin Frandsen. Jimmy Rollins (day off) and Cody Asche (strained hamstring) sit today.

Here are the lineups:

Phillies

1. Michael Young, 3B
2. Kevin Frandsen, 1B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Domonic Brown, LF
5. Carlos Ruiz, C
6. Darin Ruf, RF
7. John Mayberry Jr., CF
8. John McDonald, SS
9. Ethan Martin, P

Mets

1. Eric Young Jr, LF
2. Daniel Murphy, 2B
3. Andrew Brown, RF
4. Lucas Duda, 1B
5. Justin Turner, 3B
6. Matt den Dekker, CF
7. Anthony Recker, C
8. Omar Quintanilla, SS
9. Carlos Torres, P

Lee, Asche boost Phillies to win over Mets

For the first time since July 5, Cliff Lee won a baseball game.

On Monday night, Lee shined and Cody Asche’s bat stayed hot as the Phillies beat the Mets, 2-1, to open a four-game series at Citi Field.

Lee won his 11th game after going winless in his previous six starts. The lefty dismantled the Mets with eight innings of one-run ball, tallying seven strikeouts in 121 pitches. Lee, the prototypical strike-thrower, hurled first-pitch strikes to 21 of his 28 batters faced and 84 strikes overall.

With two runners on and two outs in the eighth, Lee punched out Juan Lagares on a full count and pumped his fist as he ran off the mound after his final pitch of the evening.

Asche lined a huge two-out, two-run triple to the right-center gap in the fourth inning to put the Phillies ahead 2-1, and that was all Lee needed. Asche continues to build on his debut season after enduring a slow start. The 23-year-old has hit in eight consecutive games and has three straight multi-hit games.

Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 inning for his 22nd save.

After winning five games in their previous 27, the Phillies (60-71) have won seven of their last nine. And if anyone cares, they have taken back third place from the Mets (58-71) in the NL East.

Plenty to note
Are the Phillies interested in Edinson Volquez? Casper Wells has landed on the DL. Domonic Brown is close to returning. Matt Harvey is likely facing Tommy John surgery. CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury has details on those topics here.

What’s next?
Kyle Kendrick (10-10, 4.51) opposes Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese (5-6, 4.03) on Tuesday night.

They did it again: Phils rally in ninth for walk-off win

In a second half full of losing skids, a managerial firing and sinking into the abyss, the past two nights have been enjoyable baseball from these rejuvenated Phillies.

Heck, the past two nights have topped the whole rest of the Phils’ second half.

For the second straight game, the Phillies (57-70) won in walk-off fashion over the Rockies (59-70) with a come-from-behind push in the ninth inning, this one a 5-4 decision.

It all started with two outs. Jimmy Rollins doubled down the right-field line, then stole third base before Michael Young hit a dribbler just past Colorado closer Rafael Betancourt for a game-tying infield single.

And the Phils weren’t done. Betancourt was relieved, Chase Utley walked which led to Domonic Brown ripping a single to right to score Young and kickoff another celebration.

In jubilation, Carlos Ruiz hugged Young at the plate, Brown pumped his first and spiked his helmet and Cliff Lee even tumbled over amid the mobbing near second base.

It was fun to watch. Aside from last night, when was the last time you said that about the Phillies?

Some tidbits:

• Since going scoreless in Ryne Sandberg’s first two games as manager, the Phils are 4-1

• The win marked the Phillies’ 10th walk-off victory this season

• The Phils took three of four games from the Rockies to win their first series since Aug. 6-8 and their second since the All-Star break

• Ruiz went 3 for 4 and is hitting .297 since his 2-for-20 start

• Making his Phillie debut, Roger Bernadina started in center field and went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts

• Darin Ruf hit a two-out, two-run homer in the eighth inning for his ninth of the season

• Utley went 1 for 2 with three walks and is hitting .333 with four doubles, a triple, home run, seven RBIs, seven walks and a .424 OBP over his last 16 games

What’s next?
The Phillies welcome the Diamondbacks to Citizens Bank Park this weekend for three games. Here are the probable pitching matchups:

Friday — Cole Hamels (5-13, 3.61) vs. Wade Miley (9-8, 3.56)


Saturday — Ethan Martin (2-2, 5.23) vs. Randall Delgado (4-4, 3.82)


Sunday — TBA vs. Patrick Corbin (13-3, 2.45)

Flashback: Phils rally in ninth for walk-off win at CBP

Trailing 3-2 in the ninth inning on Wednesday, the Phillies made Citizens Bank Park feel like the good ole days by erasing the deficit for a walk-off win over the Rockies, 4-3.

Carlos Ruiz came off the bench and delivered a game-tying RBI double before Michael Young singled him home to give the Phillies (56-70) their ninth walk-off victory of the season.

Cliff Lee pitched well enough to win (7 IP, 2 ER), but received a no-decision. The lefty is now winless over his last six starts after going 8-0 over his previous 12.

Erik Kratz started the rally with a leadoff double rocketed down the left-field line. It was hit so hard, Kratz likely would have been gunned out at second base had the throw been on line from Colorado leftfielder Charlie Blackmon. Instead, Kratz slid in safely and turned into a hero along with Ruiz and Young.

How about Ruiz? The Phils’ catcher started the season late (25-game suspension), then started slow (2-for-20 start), but since then, is hitting .287 and is 7 for his last 12 with a homer and two doubles.

As for the bullpen, the baptism by fire continues for the youngsters and it’s shown some good and bad.

The Rockies (59-69) broke a 2-2 tie in the eighth inning with a run off a pair of hits against Justin De Fratus. In the ninth, however, Jake Diekman was excellent yet again. The lefty pitched a 1-2-3 frame and hasn’t allowed a run in his last 4 1/3 innings (9 K, 0 BB, 2 H). He’s also held left-handers to a .043 (1 for 23) batting average over his last 14 appearances.

Diekman is starting to take advantage of the audition time.

On Thursday, a win would give the Phillies their first series victory since Aug. 6-8 and just their second since the All-Star break. Kyle Kendrick (10-10, 4.36) takes the ball for the Phils and opposes Colorado righty Chad Bettis (0-2, 5.30).

Phils finally win two in a row with complete game

For the first time in 28 games, the Phillies have won back-to-back contests after downing the Rockies on Monday night, 5-4.

On several fronts, it was an all-around good night for the Phillies (55-69), who haven’t had too many of those since the All-Star break.

Let’s break it down:

• After ripping off four hits in Sunday’s win, Carlos Ruiz went 2 for 4 with a solo homer and a double. Since his 2-for-20 start to the season, Ruiz is hitting .288 in his last 57 games

• Ethan Martin pitched six-plus innings for the first time in his big-league career and also recorded his first quality start. He threw first-pitch strikes to 17 of his 25 batters faced and struck out six in two-run ball through 90 pitches

• Justin De Fratus and Jake Diekman got big outs. Diekman finished the eighth inning by punching out two batters with one out and two men on in a one-run game. To notch his second strikeout, the lefty fired a fastball that clocked at 99 mph on the Citizens Bank Park radar gun

• John Mayberry Jr. clubbed a three-run homer in the fourth to turn a 1-0 lead into a four-run advantage

• Domonic Brown singled in the fourth. The All-Star has reached base safely in 13 straight games since his return from the DL on Aug. 6 (.392 OBP)

• Casper Wells, starting in right field, made a slick sliding catch in the sixth inning to rob a hit. The Phillies played errorless baseball

• Jonathan Papelbon earned his first save since July 11

Phils eying Bernadina?
According to CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury, the Phils are interested in outfielder Roger Bernadina, who the Nationals released on Monday. The 29-year-old lefty plays all three outfield positions, but is a career .243 hitter and was batting just .178 this season.

Cloyd up, Valdes down
Tyler Cloyd (2-2, 3.41) will start Tuesday night in place of the injured John Lannan. To make room for Cloyd's roster spot, the Phillies optioned Raul Valdes to Triple A Lehigh Valley after Monday’s win.

Cloyd will oppose Colorado lefty Jorge De La Rosa (12-6, 3.22) on Tuesday.

Game 124: Phillies welcome road-troubled Rockies

Thanks to a couple of favors from Hanley Ramirez on Sunday, Ryne Sandberg has his first win as a big-league manager and first as the Phillies’ skipper.

Now, Sandberg can aim for his first series victory when the Phils (54-69) welcome the Colorado Rockies (58-67) to Citizens Bank Park for four night games.

A series win would be a new accomplishment for Sandberg and a rare one for the Phillies. Out of nine series played in the second half by the Phils, they’ve won only one.

This four-game set versus the Rockies, however, sure seems winnable for these Phillies.

Colorado sports the third-worst road record (22-40) in baseball and will throw three starters against the Phillies with ERAs of 4.94 or higher — two of which do not have a win this season. Plus, no Carlos Gonzalez (finger injury), who notoriously kills the Phillies and many other MLB clubs.

In Monday night’s opener, it will be Ethan Martin (1-2, 6.28) opposing Colorado right-hander Jeff Manship.

The 24-year-old Martin is making his fourth major-league start after losing to Atlanta twice and beating the Cubs for his first career win. The righty has shown strikeout stuff (16 K), but control (8 BB) and the long ball (4 HR) have been an issue.

Manship, a 28-year-old, has made two starts this season — both losses to the Mets and Padres. The righty played his first four seasons with the Twins in which he was primarily used as a relief pitcher.

Here are tonight’s lineups:

Phillies

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Carlos Ruiz, C
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Domonic Brown, LF
5. Darin Ruf, 1B
6. Cody Asche, 3B
7. John Mayberry Jr., CF
8. Casper Wells, RF
9. Ethan Martin, P

Rockies

1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Corey Dickerson, LF
3. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Wilin Rosario, C
6. Todd Helton, 1B
7. Nolan Arenado, 3B
8. DJ LeMahieu, 2B
9. Jeff Manship, P

Phils lose; Halladay, Pettibone to rehab Thursday

John Lannan was awful before exiting with a knee injury and the offense went quietly once again as the Phillies lost to the Braves on Wednesday, 6-3.

Lannan pitched terribly and it seems like it was injury-induced. The lefty threw five three-ball counts, three walks, 23 strikes, 22 balls, allowed four hits and five runs in 1 1/3 innings. Lannan was visibly upset, covering his mouth with his glove as he apprised the coaching staff and team trainer about the injury before being relieved.

With the losses mounting, silver linings and youth development have become the highlights of the Phils’ second half. Domonic Brown was that Wednesday night, clubbing his 27th home run — a two-run shot in the sixth inning — while going 3 for 4. Darin Ruf also skied a solo homer in the ninth for his seventh of the season.

The loss is the Phillies’ (53-67) 19th in their last 23 games.

Keep an eye on …
Roy Halladay and Jonathan Pettibone. Both pitchers make rehab starts on Thursday — Halladay (shoulder surgery) with the club’s Gulf Coast League team and Pettibone (shoulder strain) with Double A Reading.

According to CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said Halladay may need just one more rehab appearance after Thursday’s start if all goes well and could rejoin the Phillies’ rotation in the final week of August.

What’s next?
And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, it probably will when the Phillies welcome the Dodgers to Citizens Bank Park for three games this weekend. Entering Wednesday, Los Angeles was 69-50 and 39-8 since June 22, which is the best 47-game run in baseball since the Giants went 39-8 in 1951.

Here are the probable pitching matchups:

Friday — Zack Greinke (10-3, 3.21) vs. Cliff Lee (10-5, 3.18)

Saturday — Clayton Kershaw (11-7, 1.88) vs. Kyle Kendrick (10-9, 4.48)

Sunday — Ricky Nolasco (9-9, 3.62) vs. Cole Hamels (5-13, 3.65)

Game 120: Phils eye rare series win over Braves

The Braves have not lost a series since July 19-21 and a series at home since July 2-4.

Could John Lannan and the 53-66 Phillies actually be the ones to snap those streaks?

On Wednesday night, they’ll get their chance. Lannan (3-5, 4.81) opposes Atlanta right-hander Brandon Beachy (1-0, 5.00) as the Phils shoot for just their second series victory of the second half.

Lannan’s had a topsy-turvy season for the Phillies. The lefty is coming off a loss to the Nationals in which he allowed a season-high eight runs, which also tied his career high. In his start before that, Lannan saw the Braves (73-47) and was yanked after giving up four runs (two earned) in 4 1/3 innings on 77 pitches.

However, a positive heading into Wednesday’s rubber match is Lannan’s track record versus Atlanta. The 28-year-old has surrendered two earned runs or less in each of his last nine starts against the Braves in which he’s posted a 6-1 record with a 3.06 ERA.

Will those numbers trump Lannan’s recent downturn and a Braves team that has won 16 of 18?

Beachy will have a say in that. The righty faced Lannan and the Phils on Aug. 3 and went 6 1/3 innings (4 R, 3 ER) for a no-decision. In his last start, the right-hander went eight shutout innings in a win over the Marlins.

Here are tonight's lineups:

Phillies

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Michael Young, 1B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Domonic Brown, LF
5. Darin Ruf, RF
6. Cody Asche, 3B
7. John Mayberry Jr., CF
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. John Lannan, P

Braves

1. Jason Heyward, RF
2. Justin Upton, LF
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Evan Gattis, C
5. Chris Johnson, 3B
6. Tyler Pastornicky, 2B
7. B.J. Upton, CF
8. Paul Janish, SS
9. Brandon Beachy, P

Phils remain without back-to-back wins in second half

Twenty-three games into the second half, and the Phillies are still without consecutive wins.

On Tuesday night, the Phils had a chance to notch back-to-back wins for the first time since July 13-14, but they instead took another second-half loss, 3-1, to the Braves.

The loss pushes the Phillies back to a season-worst 13 games below .500 (53-66) and drops them to 5-18 since the All-Star break.

Atlanta drew first blood, thanks to a two-out RBI double from pitcher Kris Medlen. The Braves’ starter stroked a liner to right field in which Darin Ruf showed his inexperience playing the position. Ruf initially broke in and was too late in retreat, allowing the ball to sail over his head and Tyler Pastornicky to score all the way from first base.

The NL’s leading hitter Chris Johnson (.337) added to Atlanta’s lead with a two-run home run off Ethan Martin in the third. The long ball came on a 2-1 pitch and bounced off the top of the left field fence and into the stands.

Tuesday wasn’t the cleanest of games for the Phillies. Casper Wells, getting the start in center field, also misjudged a fly ball that dropped for a single, while Ruf made another blunder, this one on the bases, getting doubled up at first base on a line-drive out to third in the seventh inning.

Martin was OK, throwing three-run ball through five innings and striking out six. The Phillies’ bullpen kept the Braves scoreless the rest of the way, but Charlie Manuel’s lineup went into hibernation after a couple of singles in the opening frame. Medlen retired 15 straight batters at one point and went seven innings, giving up just one run before handing the ball to a pair of relievers (David Carpenter, Craig Kimbrel) with ERAs in the ones to close things out.

Chase Utley totaled half of the Phils’ offense with three of the team’s six hits. Utley’s average is up to .286 after being at .269 on Aug. 4.

However, his night went for naught as the Phillies' second-half losses continue to pile.

What’s next?
The Phils look to avoid their seventh series defeat of the second half when John Lannan (3-5, 4.81) takes on Atlanta righty Brandon Beachy (1-0, 5.00) in the series rubber match Wednesday night.

Hamels snaps Phils' worst road losing skid since '99

Cole Hamels is looking like vintage Cole Hamels.

On Monday, the lefty spun together a complete game to lead the Phillies past the Braves, 5-1, and halt the team’s 11-game road losing streak, its longest since 1999.

Hamels’ brilliance also gave Charlie Manuel win No. 1,000 as a big-league manager.

Hamels has a 1.98 ERA over his last eight starts, but holds an incomprehensible 5-13 record for the season. To put Hamels’ tough-luck 2013 into perspective, the lefty has the same amount of quality starts (18) as baseball’s wins leader Max Scherzer (17-1, 2.84).

Hamels nearly tossed his first shutout of the season, but allowed a run with two outs in the ninth inning. Aside from that late blemish, Hamels was spectacular, striking out nine on 123 pitches.

Hamels even chipped in with the bat. The 29-year-old tripled in the third inning and scored the game’s first run on a Jimmy Rollins single.

Cody Asche provided the rest, belting a three-run homer in the sixth inning and scoring the team’s fifth run in the ninth. The rookie also made two fine plays at third base -- one in the third inning to throw out Andrelton Simmons at first base after making a diving stop to his left, and another in the ninth to finish the game in which he charged a slow roller and made a running throw to get Dan Uggla at first.

Health update: Halladay, Howard
According to CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury, Roy Halladay will make a minor-league rehab start on Thursday for the club’s Gulf Coast League team. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said that Halladay may just need two rehab starts before he rejoins the Phillies’ rotation, which could be as early as the last week of August.

Not much of an update on Ryan Howard, but the first baseman is in Florida recovering from knee surgery, and according to Amaro, he’s unsure if Howard will play again this season.

What’s next?
The Phils continue their three-game set in Atlanta when Ethan Martin (1-1, 6.75) opposes Braves right-hander Kris Medlen (9-10, 3.85) on Tuesday night.