IS ON THE TRADE RUMOR TRAIL
By DAVID MURPHY
dmurphy@phillynews.com
Whether it is Carlos Carrasco or Andrew Carpenter or another member of the Phillies' farm system, somebody is going to get a chance to pitch his way into the team's rotation.
The Phillies announced late last night that they had placed lefthander Antonio Bastardo on the 15-day disabled list with a posterior shoulder strain, likely sidelining him until after the All-Star Break.
Bastardo suffered the injury against the Rays on June 25, when he allowed six runs on seven hits before leaving with two out in the fourth inning.
There was no immediate word from the team on how serious they consider the injury, or how long the 23-year-old might be sidelined.
Bastardo had mixed results in his first big league stint, which came as the result of a hip injury that likely ended Brett Myers' season. He allowed three runs in his first two starts, but allowed five in one inning against the Red Sox on June 13. Bastardo pitched well in a 7-2 loss to Baltimore June 19, allowing four runs on five hits in seven innings. But he struggled against Tampa Bay, as he battled stiffness that he said had been present for the previous couple of days.
Righthander Joe Blanton is scheduled to start today against the Braves, followed by lefthander Cole Hamels tomorrow. The Phillies have yet to announce a starter for Thursday, although they could pitch lefthander J.A. Happ on normal rest. Veteran lefthander Jamie Moyer would also be on normal rest for a start Friday against the Mets. But at some point between Thursday and Saturday, the Phillies will need to tap a player from their minor league system, likely either top prospect Carlos Carrasco or righthander Andrew Carpenter, who started against the Nationals on May 16.
If the Phillies start Happ Thursday and Moyer Friday, they would need a fifth starter just two more times before the All-Star Break: Saturday and next Friday. If they start the newcomer Thursday, they would need a fifth starter on Tuesday and then again on June 12.
Bastardo is eligible to return on June 11, but it is unclear how long his rehab is expected to take.
