READING - It's about the long haul for Raul Ibanez, not a three-game weekend series against the New York Mets, not even the All-Star Game.
Ibanez's desire to be completely healthy for the second half of the Phillies' season led him and team officials to delay the start of a minor-league rehabilitation assignment.
The leftfielder, on the disabled list with a strained left groin, could have played for double-A Reading last night. He worked out with the Reading club yesterday afternoon. But during batting practice, it was announced that he would not play in the game.
"No, no, no," Ibanez, 37, said emphatically when asked if he had experienced a setback. "We just decided to play it safe. I'm trying to stay healthy for three months, not three days. We're approaching this with a big-picture mentality.
"I'm feeling better every day, and each day I'm adding more activity. The thinking is once you feel good, take another day or two just to make sure."
Assistant general manager Benny Looper said he was optimistic that Ibanez would play for Reading tonight. Ibanez said he would know more after he consulted with team officials and head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan.
While some Reading fans awakened yesterday morning thinking there was a chance they'd get to see Ibanez play, the Phils knew otherwise. Ibanez said that the decision not to play was made Tuesday night.
Reading fans did get to see one big-leaguer on injury rehab last night, but reliever Scott Eyre's performance was not sharp. Recovering from a strained left calf muscle, the lefthander started against Altoona and allowed three hits, including a home run, a run and a walk while reaching his 25-pitch limit (11 were balls) without getting the third out.
"I felt like I hadn't been out there in three weeks," Eyre said. "But my leg felt good and my arm felt better."
Eyre left the game with the bases loaded and scheduled starter Kyle Drabek came on and got a ground ball to end the inning.
Eyre will pitch out of the bullpen for Reading tomorrow night. Barring a setback, he is expected to be activated Sunday for the Phils' series finale against the Mets.
Ibanez is eligible to return from the DL tomorrow, but that won't happen. Manager Charlie Manuel has said he wants Ibanez to get about a dozen at-bats before he is activated. That figures to be three minor-league games.
"Early next week is a realistic goal," Ibanez said of his return to the Phils' lineup.
Entering last night, Ibanez had missed 11 games, in which the Phils were 3-8.
Ibanez is in line to start for the NL in the July 14 All-Star Game in St. Louis. He leads all NL outfielders in votes. Ibanez believes he'll be back in the lineup before then. But even his first All-Star Game won't make him rush.
"My preparation is for the Phillies and the second half, not the All-Star Game," he said. "I'm thinking about getting one of those [World Series] rings those guys have. My focus has to be on the team and being ready to play important games in the second half."
Contact staff writer Jim Salisbury at 215-854-4983 or jsalisbury@phillynews.com.
