Phillies' Galvis may have back fracture

BALTIMORE - Freddy Galvis' surprising rookie season could be in peril after a battery of tests revealed a possible fracture of his back.

The Phillies will not know the severity of the injury until Galvis seeks a second opinion sometime next week, but assistant general manager Scott Proefrock spoke in grave tones after Friday's 9-6 victory over the Orioles.

"It's serious," Proefrock said. "It could keep him out for a considerable amount of time."

The specific injury was described as a pars fracture, which occurs in the lower part of the back. Proefrock said Galvis could be in a brace for at least six weeks if the diagnosis is correct.

Galvis was injured Wednesday on a swing and immediately placed on the disabled list that night. Proefrock hinted Galvis had suffered an injury during winter ball that could have contributed to this.

Searching for bullpen help. It does not take a genius to know the Phillies require reinforcements for their depleted bullpen. Charlie Manuel intimated Friday the front office is actively searching for just that.

"We're trying to do some things," Manuel said.

The Phillies have just two righthanded relievers before Jonathan Papelbon. One is a maligned Chad Qualls, who has a 5.32 ERA and allowed 29 hits in 22 innings. The other is Michael Schwimer, who has all of 22 2/3 major-league innings to his name.

It is a problematic situation that makes late-inning management an exercise in futility.

"We're in a tough spot right now," Manuel said. "I think everybody knows that. We're in a tough spot, but we still have to come out and play as good as we possibly can and see if that's enough."

Manuel was obviously briefed on the situation and said the organization's goal is to improve with an external move. Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said there is no increased pressure to make a move for a relief arm.

The Phillies will add a righthanded reliever Saturday, possibly B.J. Rosenberg, after optioning Raul Valdes to triple-A Lehigh Valley late Friday night.

Proefrock would not say if the team is involved in trade talks for a reliever. He did say there are no financial limitations that would preclude such a move.

"We're always trying to get better," Proefrock said. "That's what our job is."

The Phillies had originally hoped the bullpen would be a source of strength. But injuries to Jose Contreras, Mike Stutes, David Herndon and Justin De Fratus have severely depleted the righthanded relief pool.

"I'm not saying something's going to happen," Manuel said. "I don't know. I'll wait and see just like you will. But I know we're definitely trying to improve our team."

Polanco needs shot. Placido Polanco has a small tendon tear in his left wrist, which required a cortisone injection Friday morning in Philadelphia. He will miss at least this weekend's action and possibly more, but the Phillies do not view him as a candidate for the disabled list.

"I have to give that some time to work," Polanco said.

Polanco injured his wrist Tuesday when he was spiked by Dodgers catcher Matt Treanor during a play at third. He also required stitches to close a cut on his left index finger.

Proefrock termed Polanco as "day-to-day" while Manuel said he could miss at least five days with the injuries.

Extra bases. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley played in a simulated game Friday in Clearwater, Fla. Laynce Nix (calf) joined them for the first time. . . . Friday marked the Phillies' first game at Camden Yards since June 26, 2006. Ryan Madson tossed 8 2/3 shutout innings that night for a 4-0 victory. The only two Phillies in the lineup for both games were Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino.