Game 102: Hunter Pence sits

ATLANTA — No, Hunter Pence was not traded. He is not in Charlie Manuel's lineup for only the second time this season and first time since April 23. The manager wants Pence to rest for a day, and it just so happens to come with the trade deadline 48 hours away.

Pence arrived early to Turner Field and took some hacks in the cage. He sat at his locker and smiled as Juan Pierre talked about how he'd coach the U.S. basketball team.

While his name has surfaced in rumors, the Phillies are not willing to deal him unless blown away by a package of top prospects. Remember, they surrendered three top 10 prospects to fetch Pence a year ago. Settling for a much smaller return would be an embarrassing admission of failure.

Pence is 9 for his last 59 (.153) with 18 strikeouts and one extra-base hit.

The rest of the lineup against Tim Hudson:

1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Shane Victorino 8
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Carlos Ruiz 2
6. Laynce Nix 9
7. Juan Pierre 7
8. Kevin Frandsen 5
9. Roy Halladay 1

Frandsen will be the 40th player used by the Phillies in 2012. They used 42 during all of 2011 and five were merely September call-ups.

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