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Phillies Notes: Zambrano faces an uncertain future

SAN DIEGO - Carlos Zambrano's tour of the International League will continue until at least Friday, when he will make yet another start for triple-A Lehigh Valley, and there are zero guarantees beyond that.

Carlos Zambrano. (Matt Smith/AP/The Express-Times)
Carlos Zambrano. (Matt Smith/AP/The Express-Times)Read more

SAN DIEGO - Carlos Zambrano's tour of the International League will continue until at least Friday, when he will make yet another start for triple-A Lehigh Valley, and there are zero guarantees beyond that.

The Phillies must make a decision on the veteran pitcher after that start. If he is not promoted to the majors by July 1, he can ask for his release. There are no indications his return to the majors will come in Philadelphia.

"This last start wasn't as good as the one prior," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He's been inconsistent. We'll see."

Can he get major-league hitters out?

"He can, at times," Amaro said. "Right now, I don't know if he can do it consistently."

The GM was unsure whether Zambrano would stay in the minors beyond July 1 if asked. He does not see Zambrano as a bullpen option. Zambrano allowed four runs in five innings Sunday and walked four. Scouts have doubted his ability with diminished velocity.

Fifth starter Jonathan Pettibone left his previous outing with back stiffness but threw a full bullpen session Monday at Petco Park.

"He felt great," pitching coach Rich Dubee said. "He felt fine."

Extra bases

Roy Halladay (shoulder surgery) played catch for the third time Monday. He will see a doctor on Thursday. "It looks very, very good," Dubee said. "The arm action, he's able to get his arm back up very easily. No effort at all." . . . Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley started their 1,000th game together as a double-play combination, second most among active players. New York's Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano have 1,036 games.