Amaro Updates Phillies Injury Situation
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Amaro Updates Phillies Injury Situation
Marc Narducci
Phillies general manger Ruben Amaro Jr. says that an MRI disclosed that lefthander Cliff Lee has a Grade 1 left external oblique strain.
“That is kind of what we thought it would be,” Amaro said before tonight’s game with the Chicago Cubs.
Amaro stressed that he doesn't know the timetable for Lee, who is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 4 when the Phillies open a weekend series in Washington.
“We’d only like to have him miss a couple of starts but if he has to miss 3-4 starts then that is what it will be,” Amaro said. “Hopefully it will be shorter than that.”
Amaro said that reliever Michael Stutes has a mild right rotator cuff strain and will likely be shut down from throwing for two to three weeks.
As for Chase Utley’s injured knees, Amaro was encouraged.
“I think in a week or so we will see where he stands but he seems to be progressing really well,” he said.
Amaro had no update on Ryan Howard who has been limited since Feb. 27, when he required a procedure to clean an infection from his original Achilles tendon surgery wound.
Howard saw a wound specialist on Monday. Amaro said Howard was expected to see a wound specialist soon for another visit.
Maybe this is the year that the Phillies won't win. I believe that if the Phils get Utley and Howard back before they fall too far out of the race that they will make the playoffs. Without them, this lineup is pathetic. Perhaps, this would be the time to call up Domonic Brown, hand him the keys to left field and tell him, "Make it or break it." As a left fielder, we put up with the Bull and with Pat Burrell with little damage.
Also, stick Mayberry at first base until Howard gets well and let him play himself in or out of the league. Wiggington is a fair hitter who would show best off the bench and as a fill-in. At least he wouldn't be a leak that makes pitchers afraid to throw ground balls.
It couldn't get much worse. Then Juan Pierre could become like Lou Williams--come off the bench to put some fire into the lineup in the late innings. The Thome experiment doesn't seem to be working out. Pete Orr is a career minor leaguer. Freddie Galvis can be the utility infielder on any team.
The Phillies have become, "Don't just do something; stand there!"— gotedge
