READING - The fans who packed FirstEnergy Stadium got to see the Double A Reading Phillies play the Altoona Curve. As a bonus, they got to see big-league lefthander Scott Eyre pitch a rehab inning. They got to see Kyle Drabek, one of the Phillies' top pitching prospects. They got to see five-tool outfielder Michael Taylor.

But if they hoped to get a glimpse of Raul Ibanez, they had to get there early.

The Phillies leftfielder, who continues to lead all NL outfielders in the All-Star balloting despite missing the last 2 weeks with a strained left groin, worked out on the field until 1 hour, 45 minutes before the first pitch, then hit in the indoor cage, but did not play last night.

In fairness, it was never announced that Ibanez would be in the lineup, only that he might make his first rehab appearance.

At the same time, Ibanez said he knew Tuesday night he would wait at least 1 more day before competing under game conditions.

"We decided to push it back a day or two, or whatever," he said, standing in a small room down the hall from the batting cage. "We're just kind of playing it safe. The hard thing is that you want to play. But in the grand scheme, you're trying to stay healthy for the next 3 months and not the next 3 days."

Ibanez is eligible to come off the DL tomorrow, but it now appears a longshot that he'll be ready to return this weekend against the Mets. He said that early next week against the Reds is a "reasonable" goal.

The Phillies are 3-9 since Ibanez was sidelined, but he said that can't be taken into consideration when trying to determine how quickly he should come back.

"I think we're approaching it with a big-picture mentality," he said. "The big club is going to be fine. They're a great team. Everything's going to work out fine. Nobody's trying to push me or urge me into doing anything excessive.

"The tendency as a player is to rush out there and get out there and do it right away to help your team. But I have to approach this with a team mindset and not what I personally want. I personally want to get back on the field and play baseball."

Ibanez stressed that he has not suffered a setback.

"No, no, no. You go from where I was 10 to 12 days ago to where I am today, and you see significant improvement," he said.

In general, Ibanez remained purposefully vague on details, appearing content to let the team make all announcements on when he'll play and how many minor league games he'll need before he's ready to rejoin the big-league lineup.

While there were indications he would play for the R-Phils tonight, he deferred to head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan.

"I'm not telling them what to do, by any stretch. We're taking the democratic approach. We're discussing it. Then we make our decision," he said. "Charlie [Manuel] is the boss. Ruben [Amaro Jr.] is the boss. Scott is the boss. Dr. [Michael] Ciccotti is the boss. So we'll kind of discuss it and see how it works."

Asked how many at-bats he thought he needed to be ready, he demurred.

"We'll see how things progress," he said. "I haven't played the outfield. I haven't run the bases in a game. You've got to be sure. A couple games, I guess. You'd like to see some live pitching."

Told that Manuel had suggested about 12 at-bats, he nodded vigorously.

"Then that's what we'll do," he said.

Eyre, meanwhile, started, but was unable to complete the first inning. He faced seven batters. He allowed three hits, including a leadoff home run to Curve second baseman Jim Negrych, and a walk. He left the game with two outs and the bases loaded after throwing 25 pitches, 14 for strikes.

He smiled as he walked off the mound.

"The results matter because these guys here are trying to win a game," he said. "But for me, it was just about having no pain."

He said the strained calf that landed him on the disabled list felt good and his arm felt even better.

"I was supposed to throw 25 pitches," he said. "I was hoping not to throw all 25," he said with a grin. "It felt like I hadn't thrown in 3 weeks. I fell behind a couple batters just trying to get the feel of my mechanics. And I don't like starting. It's a whole different adrenaline."

If all goes well, Eyre will pitch out of the bullpen for Reading tomorrow and be activated Sunday. *