Phillies Notes: Phillies manager rests four of his regular starters

PITTSBURGH - The Phillies flew in town on Wednesday night and spent a day off in the City of Bridges. But when manager Ryne Sandberg filled out his lineup card for Friday's game against the Pirates, several names were missing. One day off turned into two for Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Freddy Galvis, and Carlos Ruiz.

"I've got some guys in there that's swinging the bat," Sandberg said. "Rupp is one of them, Blanco is another one. Basically, just some other guys that needed at-bats."

Darin Ruf replaced Howard at first. Andres Blanco filled in at second for Utley. Cameron Rupp caught for Ruiz and Cesar Hernandez slotted in at shortstop, taking Galvis' spot. Howard, Utley, Ruiz, and Galvis entered Friday batting a combined .155 (22 for 142) in their last 10 games. Utley and Howard are batting .140 this season against lefthanded pitching. Jeff Locke, a lefthander, started for Pittsburgh.

Friday was Rupp's third start in five games. He has seven hits in his last 19 at-bats. The 26-year-old has raised his batting average to .233, a 90-point increase in a month.

"I could see him getting some more looks," Sandberg said. "He's swung the bat well and he's showed a very strong arm. It looks like he's come along behind the plate. I could see him mixing in more, especially with the heat of the summer and things like that. That can take a toll on a catcher."

It was near 90 degrees on Friday as the Phillies took batting practice. Summer is still more than a week away, but it felt like an August afternoon. The summer air could be a welcome respite for a team that has struggled to hit for power this season. The warm breeze is weather made for a hitter, Sandberg said.

But it could prove treacherous for a pitching staff that has allowed 62 homers, good for fourth most in the National League. The starting pitchers have allowed 48 homers.

"The batters definitely get sharper," Sandberg said. "The hitters are loose. This part of the season, they have over 200 at-bats and they're settling in along with the elements. It will be much more conducive to swinging the bats."

The double-A Reading Fightins played 18 innings on Thursday night, which forced manager Dusty Wathan to use a position player to pitch. First baseman Brock Stassi pitched the final three scoreless innings to earn the win. Stassi is the second Phillies minor-league position player to earn a win this season, joining triple-A Lehigh Valley's Russ Canzler.

- Matt Breen