Phillies Notes: Jim Thome's latest home run sets a milestone

TORONTO - It's entirely possible that Jim Thome made his final Phillies start on Sunday. He made it a memorable one.

With a second-inning blast to right field as a designated hitter, Thome became the fourth player in baseball history with at least 100 home runs for three teams.

Thome homered in the second inning of a 6-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre.

The others who have hit at least 100 homers for three teams are Alex Rodriguez (Seattle, Texas, New York), Reggie Jackson (California, New York, Oakland), and Darrell Evans (Atlanta, San Francisco, Detroit).

Thome has hit 100 for the Phillies, 337 for Cleveland, and 134 for Chicago. He also hit 37 homers for Minnesota.

"It's special, because you look at Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland - all great baseball cities," the 41-year-old Thome said. "To do that with the Phillies is special, no doubt. It's something to be proud of. I just wish we could have won the ball game."

With his next home run, he will tie Sammy Sosa for seventh all-time at 609. But his bad back will keep him from playing first base.

Bob Marley's music was playing in the visitors clubhouse at the Rogers Centre on Sunday morning, and Carlos Ruiz played drums on Hector Luna's chest. The catcher smiled wide. He fist-pumped reliever Michael Schwimer.

Ruiz was in the lineup.

Two days after the Phillies catcher suffered a strained left ribcage muscle - an injury that traditionally requires at least 15 days on the disabled list - he played for Charlie Manuel.

And there was no need for Ruiz to talk his way into the lineup, Manuel said.

"He said he's ready to play," Manuel said, and that was enough.

Manuel said the team was not rushing him back despite front-office officials' saying Ruiz will be further examined Monday in Philadelphia. That is still the plan, but Ruiz proved his health Sunday.

He was 0 for 4 with two rockets hit right at Blue Jays for outs. He picked off a runner on first base with a snap throw and moved freely in the clubhouse after the game. The only change was the large wraps of ice around his midsection.

"Carlos was encouraging," Manuel said.

The manager said head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan reported Ruiz was "definitely doing better." Should Ruiz's examination Monday show nothing different, it's likely the Phillies will make a roster move to add a pitcher before Tuesday and send third catcher Erik Kratz back to triple A.

Ruiz entered Sunday second in the National League in batting average (.362), fourth in on-base percentage (.424), and sixth in slugging percentage (.578).

Roy Halladay played light catch Sunday for the second time during his recovery. He threw 30 times from 60 feet with Rich Dubee - the same number as Friday. Dubee reported no problems and said Halladay will throw again Tuesday with an increased program. He would not elaborate, but it's likely Halladay will not throw off a mound just yet.

Cliff Lee is only the second former Cy Young Award winner to remain winless through 11 starts in baseball history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Vida Blue, who won the 1971 American League Cy Young Award, went winless over 14 starts in 1983. . . . The Phillies are 0-16 in games Joe Savery pitches. The rookie lefthander suffered his second loss of the season Saturday. . . . After a day off Monday, Colorado visits Citizens Bank Park for three games. The Rockies have the majors' worst starting pitching with a 6.26 ERA. They will throw Josh Outman (8.44 ERA), Alex White (5.56), and Jeff Francis (12.46).