Tomorrow, Rollins will return to that role after four games on the bench. "Tuesday, he's going to be back in the lineup and he's going to be in the leadoff hole, unless something really changes between now and then," Manuel said.
Rollins is batting .211, with a .254 on-base percentage, but Manuel trusts that the shortstop will find his swing. The manager feels that Rollins' speed is essential at the top of the lineup.
"That's why Jimmy Rollins becomes really important for us," Manuel said. "With his speed, and [Shane] Victorino and [Jayson] Werth and [Chase] Utley can steal some bases, that's what sets our offense up at the top of the order."
Rollins went hitless in Wednesday's loss to Tampa Bay and committed a key defensive lapse, fielding a ground ball and throwing it to the wrong base. This prompted Manuel to decide that Rollins needed a mental break, because he was trying too hard to reverse his slump.
"I feel like it was very important that he sit there and get a clear mind," said Manuel, who never considered using Rollins as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement during the series in Toronto. Rollins was not required to participate in batting practice, pregame stretching, or any other team activity. "He's fresh, he's starting all over."
Manuel spoke to Rollins several times over the weekend, including a long talk Saturday, and came away feeling that the two agreed on the benefits of a weekend off. "I think it's going to help him," he said. "We'll see, from the way he performs, we'll see."
Rollins has declined to speak to reporters.
Carrasco's turn?
Although the Phillies have not announced their starting pitcher for Thursday in Atlanta, righthander Carlos Carrasco remains a strong possibility to be recalled from triple-A Lehigh Valley. But the organization has also been impressed by righty Drew Carpenter, who may also have a chance to receive the assignment. Because of off days, the Phillies can go without a fifth starter until July 2, but they appeared to be leaning toward recalling either Carrasco or Carpenter.
Carpenter, 24, earned his first-major league win in a spot start in Washington on May 16. Carpenter is 7-1 for the IronPigs, with a 2.75 earned run average. In 65 innings, he was struck out 47 batters and walked 17.
Extras
Antonio Bastardo (left shoulder strain) is scheduled to be examined by team physician Michael Ciccotti in Philadelphia today. . . . Jayson Werth's first-inning home run to left field on Saturday, which was the 15th in Skydome/Rogers Centre history to reach the 500 level of seats, traveled an estimated 458 feet, the Blue Jays said. Werth has reached base safely in 10 consecutive plate appearances, and tied a career high with four walks yesterday. . . . Canada native and former Blue Jay Matt Stairs received a standing ovation when he pinch-hit in the seventh. He singled to left but was thrown out at second on the play. . . . The Phillies concluded the interleague portion of their schedule with a 6-12 record against the American League.
Contact staff writer Andy Martino at 215-854-4874
or amartino@phillynews.com.
