The Phillies have activated Roy Oswalt from the disabled list and sent Vance Worley to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Oswalt, who has been out with a lower back strain, is scheduled to pitch Tuesday against the Cardinals. The move comes despite an unimpressive rehab appearance Thursday in Clearwater. Worley was 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA in four appearances, including two starts. Beerleaguer: Hmm. Worley seems like he should be in the Majors, in some capacity, even if it's in relief. Don't you have to keep a guy like Worley around since you don't know what you're going to get from Oswalt tomorrow, rather than a one-inning guy like Scott Mathieson?
Polanco rests, Mayberry starts: Placido Polanco gets the day off due to some minor back stiffness, according to CSN's Jim Salisbury. So the lineup reads like so: J-Roll SS, Valdez 3B, Ibanez LF, Howard 1B, Mayberry CF, Francisco RF, Orr 2B, Ruiz C.
I love a defensive decision that makes TWO positions weaker. And we thought Charlie was crazy tonight...
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Jason: I'm with you... I know Amaro suggested Worley needs to go back down to remain stretched out should he be needed for a start, but KK had little trouble stepping in for a spot start out of the bullpen. Worley is a better pitcher than Mathieson. He belongs in the majors.
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Another mysterious roster move that makes zero sense. The myth of having a SP "stretched out" in case of an emergency start is just that, a freaking myth. You keep your best 12 pitchers on the roster, not Kyle Kendrick or Scott Mathieson or Danys Baez over Vance Worley. If they need an emergency start, Worley gives you 3-4 innings and you figure it out from there.
Its moves like this that make me assume that Mini Mart will be here all year and proably on the bench in 2012 too.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:36 PM
Even if you are going to active Oswalt and send down Worley, why not do it tomorrow instead of today?
Posted by: Spitz | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:36 PM
WITH THE INJURYS TO BLANTON AND OSWALT,I AM OK WITH THIS MOVE NOW.....DAM CAP LOCK BUTTON..
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:37 PM
What i was trying to say is ,this move is ok for now.....
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:38 PM
I think Worley should stay.
Posted by: phargo | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:39 PM
CJ, I'd agree with you on the defensive value but having watched Berkman play RF this year, its a wonder he hasn't killed anyone out there with that butcher knife for a glove.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:40 PM
The "value" of having a possible spot starter if and when we need one over having a good pitcher in the bullpen on a nightly basis is ridiculous. Worley will be wasting bullets in AAA while KK, Baez and Mathieson stink up the joint on a nightly basis.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:41 PM
Wait, if Pujols can play 3b, that moves him back in play for the Phils doesn't it. per twitter lol....
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:44 PM
WITH THE INJURYS TO BLANTON AND OSWALT,I AM OK WITH THIS MOVE NOW.....DAM CAP LOCK BUTTON..
Posted by: Jay
This was a quality post - made me laugh quite a bit.
Posted by: 3r0ck | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:44 PM
lol 3rock,i was to lazy to start over..
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:46 PM
And now Chase Utley is playing tonight. Could he go back-to-back nine inning games?
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Pujols to 3b??? Cue the Howard-Pujols move Utley to 1B trade rumors...
Posted by: HammRadio | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Too bad Worley didn't pitch better,right.
Agree with NEPP Its moves like this that make me assume that Mini Mart will be here all year and proably on the bench in 2012 What a dumbA$$ move.
Posted by: jr | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:48 PM
So per the previous thread - how about Posada? He'd be a good pick-up! haha
Posted by: 3r0ck | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:49 PM
If people hate the Worley demotion today, you'll only hate it more after Blanton gets lit up tomorrow night.
Posted by: bay_area_phan | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:49 PM
I think Greg Gross should be insulted that Chess Master LaRussa deems it a good night to tinker with Pujols at 3B. A direct slight at the Phils offense.
So, this is the lineup that is going to help the Phils close the gap on scoring some runs? I'm assuming that it's going to explode soon, since I've been reassured that they're among the top 4 or 5 run scoring offenses in the NL this season.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:50 PM
oswalt sure sounds confident...ugh?
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:51 PM
With Valdez covering Polanco, I can only assume that Charlie believes either (a) Lee is so badly due for run support that it doesn't matter who he trots out there, or (b) tonight is a mid-May "throw-away" game to clear some heads...I'd have rather he snuck into Busch with Crash Davis to sabotage the sprinkler system...
Posted by: PhillyMike_in_Charlotte | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:51 PM
Great news about Chase, particularly if he goes 9 innings tonight. If he does... I think he's back next week at the latest.
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:51 PM
I'm with BAP, I'd have rather seen Mathieson sent down, then lean on Worley when the inevitable "Blanton to DL" stint occurs in the next week or so.
Worley could fill in a 'pen spot until needed to start.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:52 PM
With Contreras coming back in the next 2 weeks or so and the question marks with Oswalt/Blanton, sending down Worley to get stretched out was the smart play over the longer haul.
Posted by: MG | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:52 PM
stop cryin. the move was made. deal with it
Posted by: st | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:53 PM
If you're Jimmy Rollins, you almost have to start the game off with a bunt down to 3B...see if Albert can still field.
Granted, it will never happen.
I agree...as soon as Chase can prove he can play back to back 9 inning games, he should and will be activated. A rusty Utley is far better than the Orr/Valdez platoon.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:54 PM
At least if it's another 3-2 type game late, I feel more comfortable with the pitcher's spot coming up with a man on, knowing that Polly is on the bench, and we won't have to rely on Mini-Mart or Valdez in that spot (assuming that Cholly has already burned Gload).
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:54 PM
With Pujols at 3B, it is possible that Valdez/Orr could possibly try to bunt for a hit tonight or even the crazy notion of a suicide squeeze?
Posted by: MG | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:54 PM
I think we discussed briefly recently, but if Blanton does need to go back to the DL, Worley can come back up, or does he need to wait 15 days?
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:55 PM
No one has asked the most important question about Pujols being moved to third.
How tall is Albert?
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:55 PM
Baez should have been sent down instead.
Posted by: PhilsPhan76 | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Tall enough.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Nah. I want JRoll to swing the bat or more importantly to work a BB.
Posted by: MG | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
I love how our offense has reduced us to trying to figure out how to steal a cheap base hit off of Pujols at 3B.
Not exactly Murder's Row, huh?
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
seems like they would have to test him out at 3rd some point in the game.....
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
The nice thing about Valdez in the 2 hole it is next to impossible for him to hit into DPs. Unless Ruiz leads off the inning with a single and Lee can't move him over.
Posted by: Spitz | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:57 PM
Willard: A DL move allows the Phils to bring up anyone, even if they were just sent down.
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:58 PM
Valdez bunting for a hit seems a stretch. He runs like a catcher.
Posted by: Hugh Mulcahy | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 05:59 PM
There is no reason they can't being Worley back up if need be.
Posted by: Old Phan | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:06 PM
If Albert's at third base, I'm going to assume he'll field his position well.
Why, you may ask?
Because he's freaking Albert Pujols. What doesn't he do well?
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:07 PM
I understand MG's logic about keeping Worley stretched out & pitching in a AAA rotation, in case Blanton or Oswalt needs another DL stint...but this move weakens our BP.
Is it true, as someone posted earlier today, that StL leads the league in many offensive stats?
Will be interesting to see how Lee does against them. Although with this lineup of ours, and Garcia pitching, Lee will probably need to be pretty damn good tonight if we're to win.
Posted by: GBrettfan | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:08 PM
Yes it is true....
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:10 PM
garcia isn't pitching
Posted by: st | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:12 PM
What doesn't Pujols do well? Well, he doesn't hit as well as Ryan Howard! (2011 OPS+ 127 vs. 110)
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:12 PM
GB - yes, STL bats are having a great year. But its Westbrook tonight, and he stinks. Plus, Howard mashes in his hometown. Phils will score for Lee and I think they'll get an easy win.
Posted by: Spitz | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:13 PM
I wonder what is wrong with Pujols this year. He's never really slumped before in his career. He's the one guy that doesnt have off months or slow starts, etc. I wonder how much of this is his contract issue.
Posted by: NEPP | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:14 PM
However... Pujols is much more proficient at grounding into double plays than Wilson Valdez. (2011: 1/16.3 AB vs. 1/18.8 AB)
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Despite those statistical anomalies, I'd take Albert over Ryan in a heartbeat. In fact, my heart probably wouldn't even have to beat even once before my mind was made up.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:17 PM
Fat: So you're saying you don't care about results?
Interesting.
Posted by: CJ | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:20 PM
Even admitting that Albert is clearly the superior player, I'd still take Howard over Pujols every time.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:22 PM
CJ, I just can't stand watching a team that ONLY has one surefire Hall of Famer on its roster.
Seriously...
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:23 PM
For all you football fans,this season doen not look like it will happen now....
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:27 PM
does..
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Jay: Meh. For Eagles fans the season always ends up being a crushing disappointment, anyway. I could use a year off.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:28 PM
This could be St. Albert's last year as a Card. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if the contract negotiations left a bad taste in his mouth.
Posted by: Old Phan | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:29 PM
i for one was looking forward to this year,we had plenty of money to spend in free agency.....
Posted by: Jay | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Oops, I mis-remembered. Yay for no Garcia tonight! Go Phils!
Posted by: GBrettfan | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:30 PM
GTown, assuming Pujols isn't injured, and that he is due to regress to his career averages:
You'd take a career .278 hitter over a career .330 hitter?
A career .570 SLG over a career .619?
A career .370 OBP over a career .424?
A career 192 strikeouts per 162 games over 67 strikeouts over 162 games?
A career 30 doubles per 162 games over a career 43 doubles per 162 games?
A career 167 hits per 162 games over a career 197 hits per 162 games?
A career OPS+ of 140 over a career OPS+ of 171 (!!!)?
A player who gets you a combination of 102 runs and 139 RBI per 162 games (241 in total), to a guy who gets you 123 runs and 127 RBI per 162 games (250 in total)?
Look, I like Ryan Howard a LOT, and I don't hold it against him in the least that he's not as good as maybe one of the best players to ever play the game (who would?), but the notion that you'd take Ryan Howard over Albert Pujols, all things being equal....
Ludicrous.
Posted by: Fatalotti | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Jay: The Eagles ... spend money ...
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:37 PM
Fatalotti: I find Howard more enjoyable to watch. Albert's consistency is both impressive, & monotonous. His personality also leaves much to be desired.
Posted by: GTown_Dave | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:39 PM
I guess all you bl's are ok with having one person to use off the bench tonight, Gload..They had to bring another position player up to cover themselves but no !!!! This should be great tonight !!!!
Posted by: Dick Allen 15 | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:42 PM
Mathieson is going down soon anyway. They obviously want Worley to keep getting some starts in. I don't think it's that crazy. He'll be back in 2 weeks win Oswalt and/or Blanton get hury again.
Posted by: BobbyD | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:58 PM
"this season does not look like it will happen now...."
That's the best news I've heard all year, including Bin Laden.
Posted by: Will Schweitzer | Monday, May 16, 2011 at 07:05 PM
That is beautiful. I love the touch of glitter and blue!
Posted by: Air Max 90 | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:47 PM
Very nice and useful post. I like the way you express everything. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Ear Thermometer | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:48 PM
Nice brief and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you as your information.
Posted by: ike Air Max 90 Pas cher | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:49 PM
That is beautiful. I love the touch of glitter and blue!
Posted by: sexy lingerie | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:50 PM
good,very good...........
Posted by: Fountain Pen | Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:50 PM