Bunts and Balks (7/2)

Jimmy Rollins got a hit in Thursday night's game! In fact, Rollins got two hits, and is now two for his last thirty-one! The Red Bull must be sparking his resurgence...

Raul Ibanez worked out in Reading for the third consecutive day, but did not play. Ibanez continues to not play, and the Phillies continue to indicate that he hasn't "had a setback" and that they are "waiting until he is 100%." It is best for them not to rush Ibanez, but the Phils really need him back.

Scott Eyre is expected to make another rehab appearance on Friday night. Hopefully, this one goes better than the last one. He'll almost definitely miss the Mets' series.

Rodrigo Lopez will be promoted to make the start for the Phillies on Friday night, but the corresponding roster move has yet to be announced. Hoping for Paul Bako or Jack Taschner, but suspect it will be another optioning of Sergio Escalona.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA) used a five-run fourth inning to beat the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-1. Carlos Carrasco, passed over for the starting pitcher opening for the P-Phils, pitched six strong innings. He allowed a single run, on six hits (two walks/four strikeouts), in the ninety-seven pitch outing. Gary Majewski followed with two scoreless innings of relief, getting his ERA back under 4, at 3.99.

The Reading Phillies (AA) had their five game winning streak broken by the Altoona Curve, in a 4-3 loss. Like the P-Phils, the R-Phils could have used Raul Ibanez' bat. Reading fell behind, 4-0 after four innings, and could not complete the comeback. Vance Worley took the loss, surrendering four runs (two earned) in six innings (six hits, one walk/two strikeouts).

The Clearwater Threshers (A) lost for the first time, in eight second-half games, to the Palm Beach Cardinals, 9-6. The Threshers trailed 9-1, after five innings, and could not complete the comeback. The Threshers made three errors, leading to five unearned runs. Starter Jon Velazquez took the loss, but only two of the seven runs he permitted (in two and two-thirds innings) were of the earned variety.