Phillies Notes: Madson won't be back before all-star break
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Progress in Ryan Madson's bruised right hand has been difficult to judge because the Phillies closer has declined on multiple occasions to speak about his injury. And as the season crept toward the all-star break, a return in the first half became less and less likely.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Progress in Ryan Madson's bruised right hand has been difficult to judge because the Phillies closer has declined on multiple occasions to speak about his injury. And as the season crept toward the all-star break, a return in the first half became less and less likely.
With only six games (in seven days) left in the Phillies' first half, Madson was officially ruled out from returning before the break. Rich Dubee said Monday it was impossible because Madson has yet to even throw off a mound during his recovery process.
"I don't know when he'll be on the mound," Dubee said before adding later that he hopes it happens within the next week.
Even then, Madson will require a stint of minor-league games to return to pitching shape. With the time off for the break, Madson could go a month between appearances in the majors.
His last game was June 18, almost a month after the injury actually occurred in a May 20 game against Texas. In the 13 games after being struck by a David Murphy liner, Madson had a 4.15 ERA. Dubee said his grip was affected.
"His fastball and cutter were very tough [to throw]," Dubee said. "He just didn't have strength in his fingers to throw the ball."
There has been progress, Dubee said. That has come in the form of long tossing Saturday and Sunday. Madson played catch again Monday.
Victorino sits
Twenty-four hours of online voting put Shane Victorino in the lead of the "Final Vote" for the 34th spot on the National League all-star roster. But the Phillies centerfielder found himself out of Charlie Manuel's lineup Monday with a swollen right thumb.
That was a result of Victorino's belly flop in the sixth inning of Sunday's loss to Toronto. What happened on that play?
"Other than utter embarrassment? Other than me having turf in my mouth when I got up?" Victorino asked, laughing.
Victorino's left cleat was caught in the Rogers Centre turf and he tumbled to the ground, jamming his right finger in the process. Manuel said Victorino was completely unavailable for Monday because gripping a bat was too tough. Victorino does not expect to miss much time.
"It's a little sore," he said, "but it's all right."
On Monday evening as part of the city's Fourth of July celebrations, Mayor Nutter urged fans to vote for Victorino for the final all-star spot.
Polanco sees stars
Placido Polanco is the first to admit a pinched nerve in his back is hurting him and has affected his swing. So why not rest it during the all-star break?
"I don't know when I'd be able to play in another All-Star Game," Polanco said.
The 35-year-old third baseman was elected by fans to start for the National League. Polanco figures a few innings and one or two at-bats won't have any effect on his status.
"To me, if he can play the game, I'd let him," Manuel said. "That's kind of how I look at it."
Extra bases
Brad Lidge (torn rotator cuff) began his official rehab assignment with a scoreless inning for single-A Lakewood. Lidge allowed two singles and threw 15 pitches. . . . Joe Blanton (right elbow inflammation) threw a bullpen session Monday in Clearwater, Fla. It was the first time since May 19 that Blanton threw off a mound. "He was fine," Dubee said. . . . A name to watch: Juan Rivera. He was designated for assignment by Toronto after Sunday's game and could provide a righthanded outfield option for the Phillies. Rivera, 33, was hitting .327 with a .909 OPS in 65 plate appearances against lefties this season, but the Blue Jays were fed up with his inability to be an everyday player and his $5.25 million salary.
Phillies Notes:
Madson won't return until after all-star break. D6.