Phillies Notes | Manuel benches Burrell vs. Reds

Charlie Manuel

put his $13 million man on the bench last night for the fifth time in eight games.

The Phillies' manager started rookie Michael Bourn in left field instead of Pat Burrell against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park. Burrell is hitting .127 since May 30 and .146 since April 25. Bourn is batting .306.

Burrell did not play in the Phils' 11-4 win. Bourn went 1 for 3 with two walks, a run and a stolen base.

"He'll get back in there and get a chance," Manuel said of Burrell. ". . . I know he wants to hit. I know he wants us to win. It'll take care of itself."

Manuel was asked if he could make Burrell a role player, or if the salary commitment the Phils have made to him plays a role in that decision.

"I can do anything I want to," Manuel said. "Seriously, in this job, I can do anything I want to do. That can cause a lot of stuff, but I can do what I want to do. I can and I've got the [guts] to do whatever I want to do."

Manuel was asked if he feels he needs to do everything he possibly can because of his uncertain job status. His contract expires after the season.

"I don't even want to talk about it," he said. "My team is more important than my contract. This is about my team and the players. If we win enough games and do good, things will be good and work themselves out."

Closer

Brett Myers,

who has been on the disabled list since May 24 with a strained right shoulder, threw a bullpen session yesterday. The Phils said it wasn't as good as Saturday's bullpen session, but still better than the first one he threw last week. He will throw another bullpen session Friday.

Righthander Tom Gordon, who has been on the DL since May 2 with a strained right rotator cuff, will pitch his second simulated game tomorrow in Clearwater, Fla.

The Phils have not named a starter for Saturday's game against the New York Mets. They continue to try to swing a trade for a starter, but that seems unlikely by Saturday. . . .

Jon Lieber

declined to comment on the treatment for the ruptured tendon in his right foot until he receives a second opinion. On Monday, team doctors recommended surgery, which would end his season. . . . Lefthander

J.C. Romero,

whom the Phillies signed to a minor-league contract on Friday, will throw a simulated game today in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

- Todd Zolecki