Greg Dobbs, who tweaked his left quadriceps Wednesday in Los Angeles, said he felt much better before last night's series opener against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. He could have started last night, but with Jamie Moyer on the mound, Eric Bruntlett - a better fielder - was at third base.

"If I would have played last night, it would not have been good," Dobbs said. "I would have hurt the team more than I would have helped - let's put it that way. But today it's a full step in the right direction. I'm not going to worry about it. I'm at the point now where I can manage it, and it will be OK."

So if you're looking for Dobbs (a.k.a. The Natural) to limp around the bases like Kirk Gibson in the 1988 World Series, don't hold your breath. "Although I would like to re-create that moment," Dobbs said.

Hawaiian flyin'

Cold, cold, cold

Since June 13, the Phillies have hit .238 with 216 runs in 52 games, in which they are 23-29. Their 4.2 runs per game in that span rank 12th in the National League. Only the Padres (3.98), Cincinnati Reds (3.96), Washington Nationals (3.70) and San Francisco Giants (3.44) have been worse.

What a waste

What's on tap

Triple-A righthander Chad Reineke will replace him.

Feliz gets closer

Draft deadline

Thursday flashback

Myers allowed five hits, three runs and two walks in seven innings. He struck out eight. When asked about his performance, he said he pitched poorly because he didn't help his team win.

"You pitch well when you win," Myers said. "That's the bottom line. I'm not going to be satisfied with any loss. Frankly, I'm probably not going to be satisfied with any win, either. I'm always striving to get better."

Of course, he pitched well enough to win. It's just that the offense came up short again.

Myers is 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA in five starts since he rejoined the rotation after being optioned to the minor leagues.