After legging out an infield single to leadoff the game, Victorino hustled to second base on Eric Bruntlett's grounder, negating any opportunity the Diamondbacks had of turning a doubleplay. He later advanced to third on a passed ball, then scored on a sacrifice fly.

That type of running ability is what the Phillies hope to fully regain once Rollins rejoins Victorino at the top of the lineup, possibly today.

"The speed we've got, we're going to run. We're going to use it," manager Charlie Manuel said. "If you can throw us out, you can throw us out. That's what those two guys definitely bring."

Rollins, who in three rehab appearances showed few ill effects from the sprained left ankle that has sidelined him since April 8, was scheduled to fly to San Francisco last night. He has yet to be activated from the disabled list, but assuming he is cleared after working out for trainer Scott Sheridan, he could be on the field tonight.

Even if he does not play tonight, he almost surely will take the field at some point this weekend.

"I'm definitely excited to get him back and I'm sure we all are, too," said Victorino, who is 7-for-26 with six runs scored after being activated from the disabled list last week. "Hopefully we can get him and he'll be ready to go."

Asked if he would be surprised if Rollins did not play tonight, Manuel said "no."

"If he's ready to play, there's a good chance he will be [in the lineup]," Manuel said. "He's the MVP, he's the shortstop, he helps us, man."

Finding a role

"I'm definitely going to put him in the game somewhere," Manuel said. "I think he's definitely showed me he can handle the bat and he's showed me that he can play."

Another lefty

That's not to say he doesn't have a chance at making it to the big-league club. Phillies closer Brad Lidge, who played briefly with Randolph in Houston, said he has a good changeup and slider that are "swing and miss" pitches.

In 14 2/3 innings in the minors this season, he has struck out 21 and walked 11.

"If he's got his control down, he's going to strike some people out," Lidge said.

Control has been the issue for Randolph. He walked 114 batters one year in the minors, and last season walked 17 in 14 appearances with the Astros. In three big-league seasons with Houston and Arizona, he has more walks (136) than strikeouts (134).

You might have heard Randolph's name before: He was one of the 89 players listed in the Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drugs in major league baseball. Former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski told Mitchell investigators that he "sold Randolph human-growth hormone . . . in 2003 or 2004."

In three major league seasons, Randolph is 10-7 with a 5.52 ERA.

Phillers