Oswalt a no-show after loss
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Oswalt a no-show after loss
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
PHOENIX -- The Phillies say there is nothing amiss with Roy Oswalt, who allowed five runs in three innings and 57 pitches before Charlie Manuel removed him.
"His stuff wasn't good," Manuel said. "His velocity was down. I figured there was no sense in leaving him out there."
Oswalt says... nothing.
The pitcher had left Chase Field before reporters entered the visitors clubhouse. It was his second start since developing mid-back spasms in a game at Citizens Bank Park against Florida.
Ruben Amaro Jr. huddled with a team offical during the game and then was seen leaving the manager's office just as reporters entered.
Manuel was asked if Oswalt had indicated a problem with his back.
"I don't know," Manuel said. "He didn't say nothing about that. As far as I know, he didn't say nothing about that."
So what was wrong?
"His stuff wasn't good tonight," Manuel said. "He's usually much better than that."
Oswalt's average fastball velocity was around 91 m.p.h, just as it was in his previous start against San Diego -- the first one since the back injury. That is down from his normal 93 m.p.h. average. After the win vs. the Padres, pitching coach Rich Dubee said Oswalt was not 100 percent and had "gutted" it out.
Oswalt's next start is scheduled for Tuesday -- six days of rest because of two off days (Thursday and Monday).
Catcher Brian Schneider said Oswalt's stuff was fine, he just missed location more than usual. His off-speed pitches, especially, were up in the zone.
"He gave me no indications of [the back being an issue]," Schneider said. "It's something he's going to have to answer. Prior to the game, talking to him, his bullpen, everything was great."
But Oswalt wasn't around to answer it.
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Uh-oh.— Dave Clemens- It's a 162 game season. Everything's not going to be peaches and cream every night with this team or any team. All they can do is minimize their losses and by the time September comes around the "cream will rise to the top" just as it has the last few years. No problem. Today is the next game. Onward and upward.— thomasg
- It's a 162 game season. Everything's not going to be peaches and cream every night with this team or any team. All they can do is minimize their losses and by the time September comes around the "cream will rise to the top" just as it has the last few years. No problem. Today is the next game. Onward and upward.— thomasg
- He left early because it was too late for him to expect any support.
Where did he go ? To church to light a candle for Rauuuuuuuuuul.— NewMick314 
Charlie said "No problem". This is his new mantra. Why do I keep picturing him in a white uniform with a beard on the deck of the UNSINKABLE Titanic. "Not even God can sink this team" No Problem.— Phil Lee- Charlie is starting to sound like Andy Reid......nahhhhhhh— itdepends9933
- Can you imagine if Cole Hamels would have blown off the media??— re6035
- When Charlie starts saying "I've got to put the players in a better position to be successful".......then I'll start to worry about him.— SteveS11
- waaaa, waaa, we couldn't talk to Roy. Get over yourself. How many times do you have to mention it in an article, we get it, he wasn't in the clubhouse after the game to talk with your Lordship. go back to the buffet.— spittooncj
- Phillies were beating bottom dwellers. They were almost swept by their only true test. Everyone says, it's 162 games etc. With the amount of money on this team, every game should be played like it's Septemeber. Phillies were playing lower level teams. The Marlins have been beating legit teams.— outraged32340
- Bottom feeders aren't that far away; but then it's only April...— M60tanker
- People who complain about teams playing like every game is September and the money spent will be the fastest to jump on the bandwagon. The Phils will be fine. It's the first month. They'll get their swings down, get in a rhythm, and figure out the bullpen. Hard to watch for now, but they haven't lost all the talent on the team overnight.— HandNik
- i am banning outraged from commenting on here. Dude you are an idiot and give Phillies fans and HUMANITY a bad name! The Marlins have been beating real teams - like who?? They split with the Phils, beat Colorado twice out of 3 after Colorado won like a large amount in a row but then lost one to the Astros who we swept. Swept the Pirates. And beat the Mets, Braves and Astros. Please, please please just shut up and never comment again. Seriously. Never. I personally am banning you.— tremo12
- You're a cyber bully. — outraged32340
- Audio ads (and stories, I guess?) make the link not worth coming to.— Jim C.
