Adam Morgan keeps pace in race for fifth starter’s job

CLEARWATER, Fla. - No, Adam Morgan said, he did not notice that Vince Velasquez and Brett Oberholtzer each tossed three scoreless innings Monday. The decision on who will be the Phillies' fifth starter will not be made on the basis of one or two spring starts, but it cannot hurt to keep pace with the others.

That is what Morgan did Tuesday in a 4-2 win over Pittsburgh.

"The competition in here is just making everybody else better," Morgan said. "So for them to go out and throw three innings scoreless, that's awesome for them. . . . You always set the bar high. I'm going out there every day to try to win that fifth spot, just like other guys are, too."

Morgan equaled Velasquez and Oberholtzer with three shutout innings against the Pirates. The 26-year-old lefthander allowed two baserunners, on a single and a walk, in three innings. Six of his nine outs were on the ground.

Velasquez has the biggest arm. Oberholtzer has the most time in the majors. And Morgan, who endured major shoulder surgery, is the tenured holdover from last season's rotation.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin was pleased with the performance.

"Morgan threw some cutters he didn't have last year," Mackanin said. "I really like that. I think that's going to help him."

David Hernandez - who entered spring training as the favorite to leave here as the Phillies closer - is sidelined with soreness in his right triceps, general manager Matt Klentak said.

Hernandez has not pitched in a game since March 1. He was scheduled to pitch Saturday but was not used. Hernandez said Sunday that he did not pitch because he wanted to take it slowly and get ready for the season.

"He has some issues with his elbow," Mackanin said. "I don't know what they are. Issues is the best way I can put it. I don't know if it's even serious or they're just backing off on it."

Klentak described Hernandez's ailment as "a day-to-day thing." The pitcher is expected to throw a side session Wednesday.

Hernandez, 30, missed the first half of last season after Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He pitched in 40 games last season with Arizona. The Phillies signed him in December to a $3.9 million contract.

Darin Ruf provided the needed offense. He smashed a two-run homer against - no surprise - a lefthanded pitcher. He took Jon Niese, a frequent victim, deep in the first inning. . . . Andrew Bailey pitched another scoreless inning, as did Bobby LaFromboise, a potential lefty for the bullpen.