Worley could be ready to fill Halladay's spot in the rotation

You can read all about the big news of the day elsewhere on this site. For now, let's focus on the issue of who will replace Roy Halladay in the rotation. For the time being, the Phillies have called up catching Erik Kratz to take Halladay's spot on the roster, but at some point they are going to need to add another pitcher to the mix, whether it is Dave Bush or Scott Elarton at Triple-A Lehigh Valley or Vance Worley from the disabled list. At this point, Roy Oswalt is not an option. It appears as if he is going to sign with Texas. Even if he wasn't, the Phillies have not had any recent conversations with him and would not appear to view him as an option.

Worley threw a bullpen session today and the reports were good, although the next one he throws will be a bigger test, because he will ramp up the intensity and go 100 percent. That session is scheduled for Friday, after which the Phillies will decide whether Worley can jump right back into the rotation. If he can, he would start against the Dodgers on June 4. Pitching coach Rich Dubee said today that Cole Hamels will start on his normal day despite Thursday's off day, which means Hamels will be going against the Marlins on Saturday.

If Worley can jump back into the rotation, this is how it would look:

Tonight - Joe Blanton

Tomorrow - Cliff Lee

Thursday - Off Day

Friday (Marlins) - Kyle Kendrick

Saturday (Marlins) - Cole Hamels

Sunday (Marlins) - Joe Blanton

Monday (Dodgers) - Vance Worley

Tuesday (Dodgers) - Cliff Lee

If, after Friday's bullpen session, the Phillies decide that Worley needs more time to get himself back into pitching shape after a three-week layoff, then a call to the minors will be made, where the options are likely Bush or Elarton. Bush can opt out of his contract if another team offers him a spot on the active roster on June 1. Both have good numbers. It seems unlikely to me that the Phillies would rush Worley back into action, but we'll see. Worley's last start was on May 11.

"If he goes all right, there's a chance he'll start on (June 4th)," Dubee said. "But again, he was impressive today for his first time on a mound in a couple weeks. We'll know more when he throws again Friday."