Take your pick: Now, Phils' Polanco is hurt

DUNEDIN, Fla. - This is life as the oldest team in baseball. There will be increased dents with age, more achy body parts to manage, and a never-ending supply of anti-inflammatory medication.

Yes, injuries are a part of the game, no matter how young or old a player is. They can derail any team at any time. But with this veteran Phillies team, one can look out at the field, pick a position, and name the body part.

First base: ankle. Second base: knee. Shortstop: calf. Third base: elbow.

So once again, here we are. This time, Charlie Manuel's familiar gait took him from the visitors' dugout at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium to meet Placido Polanco, who with one looping swing had hyperextended his left elbow in the same place where he had offseason surgery to remove a bone spur and fix tendon damage.

"It's nothing bad," Polanco said. "I've had it before. I've had it a million times."

Both the team and player downplayed the significance of the injury, saying it should be a day-to-day thing. Even if it is, the larger issue is not to be overlooked: usually, with age, what used to keep a player out for a few days may not mean the same thing once he is in his 30s.

With 16 days left until opening day, the mood in Camp Clearwater - which began with such hype in the unveiling of a masterful rotation - isn't so rosy. The Phillies will enter the season with one regular under 30, Ben Francisco, and a few spring injuries that have the team showing its age.

"I don't worry about that," Manuel said. "Seriously. They're not trying to get hurt. If I'm worried about everybody getting hurt . . . I don't have time for that."

Chase Utley, 32, remains shelved with a bad right knee, and Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said there was "no news" on his second baseman to report Tuesday. Since Utley has yet to run or field since the chronic knee pain was diagnosed, his availability for April 1 would best be categorized as "highly unlikely."

Closer Brad Lidge, 34, missed his last scheduled appearance with biceps tendinitis, a condition he said he's been pitching through for much of the spring. Amaro said Lidge played catch Tuesday and will do it again Wednesday. If that goes well, he could throw a bullpen session Thursday.

As for Polanco, he injured his elbow during a first-inning swing in a Grapefruit League game against Toronto. He stepped out of the batter's box for an extended period and took some practice swings. Polanco then popped out to the pitcher, Jesse Litsch.

Polanco played defense the next half-inning and made a diving play to his right at third. He came out of the game before the bottom of the second began.

The 35-year-old third baseman said he has played through similar hyperextensions in the past, but because of the recent surgery, he was taken out of the game.

"You can develop some scar tissue there, and we have to keep an eye on that," Polanco said. "It's right on the same spot. It didn't make it any worse. I mean, what I had there is gone. But remember, every time they open you and you have surgery, it's not the same."

Manuel, who is not afraid to show his distaste for discussing injuries, said Monday he's always looking on the positive side. As the injuries mount, that becomes harder and harder.

"The good news," Polanco said, "is this is spring training."

At least it is for two more weeks.