Phillies Notes: Worley likely to be fifth starter until Blanton returns

SEATTLE - Vance Worley was still in the visitors clubhouse at Safeco Field Sunday, and that was the best indication yet he will start another game for the Phillies.

Pitching coach Rich Dubee said he has decided on a starter for Friday's game against Oakland at Citizens Bank Park, but would not reveal it. Chances are it is Worley because the team does not view him as a candidate for the bullpen based upon the damage incurred last time he shifted to a relief role.

"I don't know," Worley said. "I just do as I'm told."

The Phillies can choose between Worley and Kyle Kendrick for their fifth starter until Joe Blanton returns. Blanton is not expected back before the all-star break. The fifth starter will make at least three more starts before the break.

Kendrick has allowed one run in his last 10 innings. Worley was solid, but not spectacular, in his five innings Saturday against the Mariners. But Kendrick is more apt to be a swing man, sliding into the rotation when needed while primarily filling a long-relief spot.

Charlie Manuel, for one, offered unsolicited praise of Worley after Saturday's 5-1 win.

"Worley threw better than he had been before," the manager said. "After a couple innings, his velocity started getting back up to 93, 94. When he does that, it makes his secondary pitches better. He was a little wild at times but battled, and he pitched well."

Worley required 96 pitches to survive five innings, but Seattle scored only once. Three times the Mariners stranded a runner on third base.

"I'm glad I battled," Worley said. "It happens. To be able to get through it the way I did, I'm happy with it. I know it could be better."

A positive sign: Worley was constantly throwing strikes early in the count. The issue was an absence of a successful out pitch, and that led to deep counts. The problem, Worley said, was relying too much on his secondary stuff.

The 23-year-old threw his fastball just 29 percent of the time and used his cutter and slider extensively.

"I got ahead," Worley said. "And then I think with the secondary stuff I was trying to do too much. It didn't really do anything. They'd foul it off. I'd throw it too hard, and it would be a ball. Then my pitch count would go up from there."

For now, it appears Worley will have a chance to correct those mistakes.

Placido Polanco's batting average has dipped below .300, and Manuel saw a chance to rest his third baseman for two consecutive days, so Polanco sat Sunday.

"He's banged up," Manuel said. "He has aches and pains. He's been struggling some. He's got a little nagging stuff. All over. I figured today would be a good day for him to rest."

Polanco is two for his last 20 and his average is .295. Since May 1, Polanco is hitting .233.

Cole Hamels said there were no hints of the back stiffness that forced him from his previous start. "I didn't even think about it," he said. . . . Hamels recorded his 1,000th strikeout, becoming the third-fastest active pitcher to accomplish the feat - doing it in 1,0491/3 innings. . . . Brian Schneider (strained left hamstring) caught seven innings for double-A Reading in his third rehab game. Schneider was 2 for 4 with an RBI. He will likely return to the Phillies when the homestand begins Friday. . . . The Phillies bullpen has not allowed a run in its last 171/3 innings. David Herndon extended his scoreless streak to 12 innings since his recall.