Contreras sharp again
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Contreras sharp again
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Phillies can activate Jose Contreras from the disabled list Tuesday, and while that is unlikely, the 40-year-old righthander is closer to a return.
He pitched another scoreless inning Monday for single-A Clearwater. He struck out two Tampa Yankees. That marks two spotless outings in a row with four total strikeouts.
Contreras is building arm strength from September elbow surgery. Pitching coach Rich Dubee has said he probably wants to see Contreras pitch on back-to-back days in the minors before his activation.
When he is ready, the Phillies will have to make a decision on who goes. The candidates are Joe Savery and David Herndon, both of whom have options remaining. The decision could come down to how much the team values a second lefthander (Savery) in the bullpen.
Contreras was not the only big-league pitcher rehabbing in Clearwater. Andy Pettitte started for the Tampa Yankees and allowed one run in three innings.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
When Contreras is ready he joins the Phillies and later to Herndon— shawnmac- does this really matter? are we honestly counting on a 40 year old reliever coming off elbow surgery to play a valuable role in the pen?— mpatt224
- What do the Phillies see in Herndon? The only thing I can see is a potential innings eater in a blow out or mop up role. At least a 40 yr. old Contreras has throws hard and has an out pitch. (Splitter)— jakenepa
- Can he hit?— Joe Lis lives
- I was surprised to read mpatt224's comment. Contreras was awesome just last year. I still consider him the key to the bullpen this year.— MJSI
- who cares as long as he replaces dave herndon— jodya2
Comment removed.- While we are at it, let's bring up Jose Canseco, Jose Cardenal, even Jose Feliciano. One of these guys has got to be a better hitter than what we have right now.— markfordham
- David Herndon has no past, present or future as a ML pitcher yet still puts on his Phillies uniform every day. Enough, already— gentian
- 40 years old? is there documentation on that?— scootch
- Comment removed.
- I don't think mpatt ever saw Contreras pitch.
— gmr18901 - I agree, can he hit?— bgreenage
- Can Jose Feliciano hit? I'll buy Herndons bus ticket.— bgreenage
- Roby thinks Herdon is going to go to college at Lehigh.
The Iron Pigs play in the Lehigh Valley, in the city of Allentown.— NewMick314
