Posted on Sun, Jun. 29, 2008
ARLINGTON, Texas -
Geoff Jenkins is in such a slump that manager
Charlie Manuel chose
Jayson Werth over him to face Texas Rangers righthander
Vicente Padilla last night at Rangers Ballpark.
Jenkins entered last night hitless in his last 26 at-bats with just two hits in his last 41 at-bats.
"We're trying to get him to try some things to get him going again," Manuel said.
"He's receptive, but he's been struggling. He's a member of those guys who have been struggling."
Jenkins has been working with Manuel and hitting coach
Milt Thompson on solving a bad habit he picked up recently.
"It's actually a simple adjustment," Jenkins said. "I have to lower my hands a little bit so that elbow just relaxes. Over the course of your career you make adjustments. I've been working on it the last couple days, and it feels great."
Jenkins at least recognized the problem and was willing to correct it.
"Knowing is half the battle," he said.
Wait a second. That sounds like . . .
"G.I. Joe," he said, laughing.
Lefty help
The Phillies have said they could use another lefthander in the bullpen. Maybe they're getting closer to getting one back.
Matt Smith had Tommy John surgery on his left elbow July 3, but he could throw tomorrow and Thursday for the Gulf Coast League Phillies. Still, it's too early to say whether Smith could help the Phillies this season.
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