Phillies Notes: Progress for Phillies rookie Galvis

The brace, affixed to Freddy Galvis' torso for six weeks, could be removed only when the 22-year-old Phillies infielder showered.

"So yeah," Galvis said, "I stayed a long time in the shower."

Now there is progress from a fractured vertebra in his back, even a target date in which Galvis can play minor-league baseball. It has been a trying season for the rookie Venezuelan, who started opening day at second base, injured his back, and was subsequently suspended 50 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Galvis, at Citizens Bank Park for the annual team photo, was instructed by team officials to not answer any questions regarding his suspension. He forfeited about $133,000 in salary and began receiving a paycheck again last week.

The suspension cost him no playing time because the back injury will sideline him for the remainder of the season. He has begun running and hitting. There is a goal of playing in the instructional league Sept. 15. After that, he will play shortstop during winter ball in Venezuela.

Galvis said he had played with a sore back since 2010. It was "a little tight" sometimes.

"I swung too hard," Galvis said in his first public comments since he hurt his back on June 6. "I swung and missed, so that's why it broke."

Manager Charlie Manuel beamed Thursday when speaking of Galvis. He endorsed his being on the 2013 team, even if it is in a bench role.

"Freddy Galvis is the best baseball player as far as knowledge and assignment on the field that I've seen in a long time," Manuel said. "I know people talk about [Mike] Trout, [Bryce] Harper, and stuff like that. Freddy Galvis has more natural instincts and more knowledge - to carry out assignments, where to go, and fundamentally play the game - than any kid I've seen in a long time."

In somewhat of a surprise move, it was Michael Schwimer who temporarily lost his job Thursday in the latest Phillies bullpen shuffle.

Schwimer was optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley to make space for lefty Jeremy Horst, who was activated from the paternity leave list. It is temporary, solely because Schwimer will probably return once rosters expand Sept. 1. A team source said Schwimer questioned the front office's decision.

For now, it secures a spot for Phillippe Aumont, who is likely to spend the remainder of the season in the majors.

"We want to look at Aumont," Manuel said. "That definitely plays in that."

Schwimer, at times, was one of the more dependable arms in a tattered Phillies bullpen. The 26-year-old righty had a 1.93 ERA in 231/3 innings during a two-month stretch that began June 10. He was hit hard in his previous three outings, surrendering eight hits and five runs in 22/3 innings.

Outfielder Nate Schierholtz is eligible to return from the disabled list Tuesday, and the outfielder believes it will happen then. Schierholtz did some running to test his broken big toe and took batting practice Thursday. He said he cannot yet run full speed. He expects the injury to improve but not completely heal until the winter.

"I don't think it is going to completely heal in a few weeks," Schierholtz said. "So it is definitely something I could deal with."

Carlos Ruiz (tear in foot) caught Cliff Lee's bullpen session and also took batting practice. He remains on track for an early September return. . . . Mike Stutes (shoulder surgery) and David Herndon (Tommy John surgery) returned to the park for the team photo. Jose Contreras (Tommy John surgery) was not in attendance. . . . The Phillies announced a two-year extension with the Lakewood BlueClaws, extending their single-A affiliation through 2014.