Adam Eaton said he felt no pressure to hold on to his job. If he stays healthy, he said, he should be able to pitch well enough to keep it. Of course, it certainly helps him that he's in the second year of a three-year, $24.5 million contract.

Manager Charlie Manuel acknowledged Eaton has the inside track on the team's No. 5 starter's job. But the Phillies opened spring training with a competition for his spot because he went 10-10 with a dreadful 6.29 ERA last season.

Also in the hunt are Chad Durbin, Travis Blackley, J.D. Durbin and Kris Benson.

"I haven't read you guys this spring, so I don't know what my standing is," said Eaton, who allowed a three-run homer to Shelley Duncan in the first inning in yesterday's 9-3 loss to the New York Yankees in a Grapefruit League game at Bright House Field.

Eaton, who allowed five hits and three runs in two innings, suffered through right-shoulder problems and personal issues last season. Those personal issues are resolved, and he said his shoulder feels fine. But he also recently has been bothered with some back problems.

"I think I've established myself as a big-leaguer," Eaton said. "I'm getting paid extremely handsomely, probably more than I'm worth. But everyone is not worth what they're getting paid. It's fun. If you don't like the competition, what are you doing here? Everyone should thrive on competition."

Oh, there's a competition. But Eaton said he's OK with that.

Yankees 9, Phillies 3. Chad Durbin allowed three hits and two runs in two innings in his spring debut. . . . Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz each went 2 for 2. . . . Greg Golson homered. . . . Tom Gordon allowed two runs in 2/3 inning.

Lidge is throwing. Closer Brad Lidge, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday, is playing catch and hopes to throw off the mound as early as this weekend.

Lidge is expected to need three to six weeks to fully recover, but said he thought he could be ready for the March 31 season opener.

Lidge also said his knee felt better now than it had before the surgery.

Extra bases. Centerfielder Shane Victorino has agreed to terms on a split contract. Lefthander Cole Hamels remains the only player who hasn't agreed to terms. . . . Hamels starts this afternoon against the New York Yankees at Legends Field in Tampa, Fla. Fabio Castro, Carlos Carrasco and Lincoln Holdzkom also are scheduled to pitch. . . . The Phillies signed righthander John Ennis to a minor-league contract and invited him to camp as a non-roster invitee. The Phillies designated Ennis for assignment last week when they signed infielder Ray Olmedo.