Phils Rally Past Rays To Pick Up Nola

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Phillies Rail Rays 5-2

The Phillies scored four in the eighth to defeat the Rays, 5-2, for a Grapefruit League victory at Charlotte Sports Park on Tuesday. Aaron Nola started for the Phillies and hit leadoff batter Logan Forsythe on the arm. Forsythe left the game with a left elbow contusion and was replaced by Juniel Querecuto. Brad Miller followed with a single to left before Evan Longoria grounded into a double play, moving Querecuto to third. Logan Morrison then doubled down the left-field line to put the Rays up, 1-0. Rays starter Drew Smyly continued to look sharp in his third start of the spring, posting two scoreless innings before Cedric Hunter homered deep to right field on a 0-2 pitch leading off the third. "I mean, kudos to that guy," Smyly said. "It was up and away. Might have hit a righty. Definitely would have backed him off the plate. And that was the first fastball he'd seen, because I'd thrown him curveball-slider the first two pitches." Smyly allowed one run on three hits and a walk in 4 2/3 innings. Of the 66 pitches he threw, 45 were strikes. "I'm feeling great right now," Smyly said. "Confident, very comfortable. Just trying to get my work in and go out and have fun." Kevin Kiermaier hit his first home run of the spring when he homered off Nola in the fifth to give the Rays a 2-1 lead. Nola allowed two runs on six hits while striking out five in 4 2/3 innings. Cesar Hernandez doubled off Xavier Cedeno in the eighth and was driven home by Andres Blanco's two-bagger in the next at-bat to tie the game at 2. Blanco later scored on Darnell Sweeney's single to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead, and Philly added two more runs when Taylor Featherston grounded into a force out with the bases loaded and Sweeney scored on a wild pitch.

PHILS PHACTS:

• Right-hander Yoervis Medina had to leave Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the Rays in Port Charlotte, Fla., in the ninth inning. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Medina felt a "pop" in his right elbow. The Phillies acquired Medina from Pittsburgh for Jesse Biddle.

NEXT GAME:

The Phillies have a day off Wednesday, but they return to action Thursday afternoon against the Rays at Bright House Field. Vince Velasquez will make the start with Jerad Eickhoff scheduled to follow him. Velasquez is battling Brett Oberholtzer and Adam Morgan for the No. 5 job in the rotation. Eickhoff sees his first Grapefruit League action after being sidelined this spring with a broken right thumb. He is expected to make the rotation. Thursday's game will start at 1:05 p.m. ET on MLB.TV.

PHILS PHACTS:

Hernandez Back On The Mound – he Phillies plan to have David Hernandez pitching in the back of their bullpen this season, either as a closer or a setup man. He needs to get healthy first. Hernandez, who had not pitched since March 1 because of right triceps tendinitis, threw one inning Tuesday afternoon in a Minor League game at Carpenter Complex. He allowed three hits, three runs, one walk and struck out two against Triple-A players from Toronto. Hernandez threw 28 pitches (17 strikes), and his fastball hit 93 mph. Blue Jays prospect Rowdy Tellez, who is the No. 8 prospect in Toronto's system according to MLBPipeline.com, crushed a double off the top of the batter's eye in center field to score two runs. "It's probably the best I've felt the last two weeks," Hernandez said. "Obviously, the results weren't what I wanted, but I'm just trying to get in and get out healthy, and I feel really good. We'll see how I bounce back tomorrow." The Phillies signed Hernandez to a one-year, $3.9 million contract in the offseason, making him the only free agent they signed to a Major League contract. They are counting on him to stabilize the bullpen. Hernandez said there is enough time to make that happen. After Tuesday, there were 14 Grapefruit League games remaining before the Phillies head north to play three more exhibition games. Hernandez said he can pitch enough innings in those games to improve his command, though he said appearing in back-to-back games will be a truer test of his readiness. Hernandez said he still feels something in his elbow, but he said he is not concerned about it and that it is normal for somebody who has had Tommy John surgery. "It's been mostly just post-throwing," Hernandez said. "It kind of gets tight on me, but during pitching and playing catch, it doesn't really bother me. It's just calming down, it gets cold on you and it just gets stiff. It's just part of getting back. When I threw my first game, I felt it while I was throwing, so now I don't feel it while I'm throwing. It's a good sign."

More Roster Revisions – It is officially a three-man battle to be the Phillies' No. 5 starter. The Phillies on Tuesday morning optioned right-handers David Buchanan and Alec Asher to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, leaving right-hander Vince Velasquez and left-handers Brett Oberholtzer and Adam Morgan to compete for the job. Buchanan allowed five hits, two runs and two walks with two strikeouts in four Grapefruit League innings. He went 2-9 with a 6.99 ERA in 15 starts last season. Asher allowed 10 hits, seven runs and three walks with 14 strikeouts in eight innings. He went 0-6 with a 9.31 ERA in seven starts last season. They had a steep climb to move past Velasquez, Oberholtzer and Morgan on the depth chart. "It's part of the game," Buchanan said. "You never want it to happen. Obviously you want to spend your whole career in the big leagues. It's another opportunity to work and to continue to build on what I've been doing this whole spring. I'm excited where I'm at mentally. I know I'll get another shot there, and I'm excited for that. Because when it comes, I'm not coming back. So I'm good." Buchanan knows it is a near certainty that the Phillies will use more than five starters this season. Pitchers get injured. They struggle. There could be opportunities for him in the future. Of course, the runners-up in the No. 5 competition figure to get the first crack at it, but Buchanan and Asher could put themselves in line for a promotion down the road. Prospects Jake Thompson, Mark Appel and Zach Eflin also figure to get consideration later in the season, if they pitch well in the Minors. The Phillies are in no rush to promote them. "I'm pretty sure that's where the mental training I've been doing this offseason is helping me, because I'm not really concerned about that," Buchanan said about his place on the depth chart. "I'm not putting my energy into that, because I can't control that. "All I know is I've done a lot of training to get myself in the right state of mind to do what I can do and control what I can control. So that's what I'm focused on now. I'm going to go down there, continue to pitch, continue to do what I've been working on and continuing to get better. As soon as the phone rings, I'll be ready to go."

GM Impressed With Change – What a difference. The Phillies are halfway through their Spring Training schedule, and almost nothing has resembled what happened last year. After a 5-2 win over the Rays on Tuesday, they entered Wednesday's day off at 11-4-2, which is among the best records. They have hit 23 home runs, which is tied for second. They have legitimate competition for the final rotation job. The players are younger and more energetic. They have big-time prospects. "I know they're Spring Training games," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said Tuesday morning at Bright House Field, "but I've been very encouraged by the way Pete [Mackanin] has guys playing. The energy, the effort and the outcomes. We've won a lot of games this spring, and that's been a really positive thing for us." Of course, Klentak knows Spring Training records do not predict the future. For example, the Cubs, Royals, Mets and Pirates entered Tuesday a combined 19-33. That said… "It's better to win than to lose," Klentak said. Here is a look at where the Phillies stand in three important areas as they enjoy Wednesday's day off: The rotation: Jeremy Hellickson, Aaron Nola, Charlie Morton and Jerad Eickhoff are locks, assuming everybody is healthy. The Phillies narrowed the fifth-starter competition Tuesday, when they optioned right-handers David Buchanan and Alec Asher to Triple-A. Right-hander Vince Velasquez and left-handers Brett Oberholtzer and Adam Morgan are competing for the fifth job. Oberholtzer (eight scoreless innings) is out of options. The Phillies like his versatility, so at the very least, he will be in the bullpen. The favorite entering camp seemed to be Velasquez, and that has not changed. He has the best stuff, and he is the jewel of the Ken Giles trade. But Velasquez (four earned runs in nine innings) will need to pitch well if Morgan (two earned runs in nine innings) and Oberholtzer continue to pitch like they have. "Competition tends to bring out the best in players," Klentak said. "They've all thrown the ball really well, and they're all different. They have different track records, different strengths and different weaknesses. They're giving us a lot to think about, and that's a really positive thing." One thing is certain: The Phillies should be better prepared to handle attrition to their rotation than last season. The bullpen: There are jobs to be won. David Hernandez has one, considering the Phillies signed him to a one-year, $3.9 million contract. He pitched Tuesday for the first time since March 1 because of triceps tendinitis. If Hernandez is healthy and ready, the other locks look like right-hander Jeanmar Gomez and Oberholtzer (unless he wins the No. 5 job). Non-roster invitees Edward Mujica (four scoreless innings) and Andrew Bailey (four scoreless innings) have impressed in camp. They have solid lines on jobs. The fact Mujica has a March 26 out clause will be a factor in making the team or not. Bailey has a May 1 out clause, which is less of a factor. Ernesto Frieri has a March 31 out clause, but he has struggled (six runs in 4 2/3 innings). The Phillies are expected to take at least one more left-hander if Oberholtzer is in the 'pen (and two if he is not). Rule 5 Draft pick Daniel Stumpf allowed one run in six innings before allowing three in the eighth inning Monday in Sarasota, Fla. Bobby LaFromboise has pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, and non-roster invitee James Russell has pitched three scoreless innings. Elvis Araujo (two runs in four innings) has options, which figures to play a factor when matched up against somebody like Stumpf. Right-hander Dalier Hinojosa (five scoreless innings) has pitched well. "The players have given us a lot to consider," Klentak said. "There are a lot of players that have stepped up and have thrown the ball well. Pete has been exposing a bunch of them to multiple innings to see who has the ability to carry the load that way, and I like the options we've seen from the left side." The outfield: Do not be stunned if the Phillies acquire an outfielder before camp breaks. Aaron Altherr will miss four to six months following left wrist surgery. Cody Asche remains sidelined with a strained right oblique. He might not be ready by Opening Day. That leaves Odubel Herrera, Peter Bourjos and Rule 5 Draft pick Tyler Goeddel, who has impressed the GM, as the likely starters. Darnell Sweeney and non-roster invitees David Lough and Cedric Hunter, who homered against the Rays on Tuesday, are competing for the fourth and fifth jobs. "Obviously, we'll have to make some decisions on the Opening Day roster and when Cody comes back," Klentak said. "But as far as the depth, one of the big things we're focused on is making sure we run a strong defensive club out there to help with our run prevention and to help as we introduce young pitchers to the big leagues. I want to be mindful of that. "Even in Lough and Hunter and Goeddel, we've got players who can go out there and catch the ball. You can never have enough depth at any position, and certainly with Altherr out and Asche being banged up, that's tested our depth early in spring. The good news is that it was tested early, so hopefully when we get into the season, we'll be healthy and we'll be OK."

Today In Phils History - Let's keep it simple today. Happy birthday to 2 players born exactly 70 years apart, Lloyd Waner (1906) and Abraham Nunez (1976). 

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have begun the spring with an 11-4-2 record (12-4-2 if you include the exhibition game against the University of Tampa). With the Phillies having finished the 2015 season with a spectacularly awful record of 63-99 it will be interesting to see what kind of team new President Andy MacPhail and GM Matt Klentak put on the field. At the same time I am definitely looking forward to the games against Boston with former GM Ruben Amaro on the field. Given the departures, lingering contracts, a history of injuries, bipolar performances, and unproven talent, it should, at the very least, be an interesting season for the Phillies. Who knows, maybe they can avoid 100 losses... hopefully by more than one game!

Split Squad, Opposite Outcomes

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP 1: Phillies Romp Red Sox 11-4

The Phillies had showed very little power through nearly two weeks of Grapefruit League games. But they hit Red Sox right-hander Justin Masterson in Sunday's 11-4 victory at Bright House Field. Ryan Howard hit a two-out double into the right-field corner in the first inning to score Freddy Galvis from first. Carlos Ruiz followed with a long single off the right-field wall to score Howard to make it a 2-2 game. Non-roster invitee Jordan Danks hit a solo homer to right field in the second inning to hand the Phillies a 3-2 lead. Non-roster invitee Cord Phelps hit a three-run homer to right field in the fourth to give the Phillies a 6-4 lead. Howard took Wade Miley deep in the sixth for a solo shot. "It's good to see good at-bats, aggressive at-bats," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "That's where I think the long ball comes into play -- and doubles, things like that. And some small ball mixed in there. We're making some progress the last couple days swinging the bats." The Phillies have eight home runs this spring. Interestingly, five are from non-roster invitees: Andres Blanco (one), Brian Bogusevic (two), Xavier Paul (one), and Phelps (one). Howard (two) and Danks have the other three. The Phillies entered the afternoon with a .557 OPS, the lowest in baseball. Masterson allowed seven hits, six runs, two walks and two home runs in 3 1/3 innings. Phillies starter Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez allowed three hits and two runs and struck out two in three innings. He allowed a two-run homer to Daniel Nava in the first.

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP 2: Yanks Yank Phils 3-2

Yankees starter Nathan Eovaldi put together another strong outing Sunday afternoon, tossing four scoreless innings as the Yankees beat the split-squad Phillies, 3-2, at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Eovaldi gave up two hits and struck out three while facing the minimum number of batters over four innings. The 25-year-old right-hander threw 38 of his 45 pitches for strikes. "Today, overall everything felt pretty good," Eovaldi said. "For the most part today, I was able to throw all four of my pitches, so that's a good sign." The Yankees got on the board quickly against Phillies right-hander Sean O'Sullivan. Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury led off with a triple into the left-center-field gap and scored on catcher Brian McCann's one-out sacrifice fly to center field. O'Sullivan retired six straight batters after that. He pitched three innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out two. Yankees right-hander Chase Whitley, competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, followed Eovaldi with two strikeouts in two perfect innings. The Phillies got on the board against Yankees reliever David Carpenter in the seventh inning. Center fielder Ben Revere drew a leadoff walk, stole second, took third on a wild pitch and scored on right fielder Domonic Brown's RBI single to right field. Yankees third baseman Chase Headley broke the 1-1 tie in the seventh inning with a solo shot to right field -- his first homer of the spring -- off Phillies right-hander Kevin Slowey.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION GAME:

Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels starts Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles at Bright House Field at 1:05 p.m. ET, live on MLB.TV. He has a 3.60 ERA in two starts this spring as he lines up to be the team's Opening Day starter. Also scheduled to pitch for the Phillies are Ethan Martin, Cesar Jimenez, Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus.

PHILS PHACTS:

Howard Showing Signs Of Former Self – Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is moving better this spring. He is running the bases better. He appears more nimble defensively. The health of his left leg stood out Sunday in an 11-4 victory over the Red Sox at Bright House Field. He ran without a limp on a double into the right-field corner in the first inning. He scored from second on Carlos Ruiz's single off the right-field wall. "If it seems like it's night and day to you, then it's night and day," said Howard, who went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run. "I feel good. My legs feel good. My legs feel fine. I did what I needed to do. I was pretty much pain-free this offseason, so I was able to get back on my workouts to do what I need to get my legs stronger." Howard ruptured his left Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the 2011 National League Division Series. He had surgery on his left knee in 2013. It has taken him a long time to finally feel healthy. Could it translate into a bounce-back season? Only time will tell. Howard is hitting .241 (7-for-29) with one double, two home runs and five RBIs this spring. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said he likes recent adjustments Howard has made at the plate, which could explain why he has homered twice in three games. "I think Howie looks really good in the box right now," Sandberg said. "He's gaining some momentum on some games and some swings and at-bats. So I think he's really settling into a comfort zone. It took a little time, but I think the results are showing." Chase Utley played his second game as the designated hitter. Sandberg said he is not sure when Utley might play in the field, but he worked out at second base Sunday. "It's really a day-to-day thing," Sandberg said.

Tattered Rotation – Cole Hamels will pitch Monday against the Orioles at Bright House Field, which puts him on a five-day schedule to start Opening Day. Hamels as the Opening Day starter is a no-brainer. But what about the other spots? Some remain up in the air because of health issues. Left-hander Cliff Lee is trying to beat incredible odds and pitch with a torn common flexor tendon in his left elbow. He did not throw Sunday, but at this point it is more likely that he will be unable to pitch with the injury. Season-ending surgery is Lee's next course of action, but the 36-year-old said he might decide to bypass surgery and end his career. "[Lee] said his arm felt pretty good," Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure said. "He just doesn't want to push it. That's what he told me." Right-hander Aaron Harang has been scratched twice this month because of "lower back discomfort," but is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday. If that goes well, McClure said Harang will pitch Thursday against the Yankees. "He said he can catch up," McClure said. Right-hander Chad Billingsley threw a successful bullpen session Sunday. He is recovering from a pair of elbow surgeries. The Phillies said he could be ready to join the rotation before the end of April. "Exceptional," McClure said about Billingsley's bullpen. "You would never know he was hurt. It's quality stuff. It really is." McClure said after two or three more live batting practice sessions, Billingsley could pitch in a game.

Hanging On To A Spot – Phillies right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez has not put forth a convincing case to make the Phillies' rotation, but he has time. He allowed three hits and two runs and struck out two in three innings Sunday in an 11-4 victory over the Red Sox at Bright House Field. He allowed a two-run home run to Daniel Nava in the first inning before settling down for the second and third. "He made a good adjustment," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "I thought he was more aggressive attacking the zone, and his pace was better. It looked like he was a little careful there in the first inning to two hitters. After that, I thought he had a whole different demeanor about him, a whole different strategy and that was attacking guys." Gonzalez has a 9.00 ERA in three Grapefruit League appearances. In seven innings, he has allowed 12 hits, seven earned runs, three home runs and has struck out five. But Gonzalez and others will get more opportunities to impress. Cliff Lee, 36, is trying to pitch with a torn common flexor tendon in his left elbow, but it is a long shot. Season-ending surgery would be Lee's next option, although he said he might not have the surgery and retire. That leaves at least one job open in the rotation. It could be two if Aaron Harang's "lower back discomfort" continues to be an issue. Gonzalez is competing with non-roster invitees Kevin Slowey and Sean O'Sullivan for a job, with Cole Hamels, Harang, Jerome Williams and David Buchanan slated for the first four spots. Chad Billingsley is a candidate, but he might not be ready until late April following a pair of elbow surgeries the past couple years. "I think he's shown health and some progress mixing up his pitches," Sandberg said about Gonzalez, who has had shoulder issues in the past. "So he's making progress."

Making A Big Case – The Phillies took a relatively unusual step in November when they signed Minor League left-hander Elvis Araujo to a Major League contract. Araujo, 23, had never pitched above Double-A, but the Phillies need as much young pitching in their system as possible, so they outbid at least a couple other suitors. Araujo is a big guy with a big arm, and the Phillies hope he can help in the bullpen in the future. "I haven't seen any real flaws yet," Phillies pitching coach Bob McClure said Sunday morning at Bright House Field. Araujo allowed one hit and struck out two in one scoreless inning in Sunday's 11-4 victory over the Red Sox at Bright House Field. He has given up just one hit and one walk and has struck out four in four scoreless innings this spring. "I don't watch the speed," said Araujo, whose fastball hits 97 mph. "I just throw strikes, and that happens along with it." Araujo went a combined 2-1 with a 3.42 ERA and 11 saves in 43 games last season with Class A Advanced Carolina and Double-A Akron. He struck out 50 in 50 innings, and he walked 28. He is expected to open the season in the Minor Leagues with a handful of left-handers ahead of him on the depth chart, including Jake Diekman, Mario Hollands and Rule 5 Draft pick Andy Oliver. "He's throwing strikes, he's pounding the zone, he's keeping the ball down," McClure said of Araujo. "I'm impressed. That angle, that's tough to hit at that velocity, too." Araujo is listed at 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, but he said he weighs 280 pounds. His height and size could be intimidating to hitters. "If you're planning on being competitive and getting into fights, you want to take as many big guys as you can," McClure joked.

Cut4 Road Trip – After five days on the road of sleeping in cold hotel beds and not seeing my dog or girlfriend, I was starting to get a bit homesick ... and then I walked into Lenny's in Clearwater and forgot all about 'em. (Kidding, I love them.) For real, though, Lenny's is a home away from home for fans down at Phillies Spring Training. They've got Yuengling and scrapple and give you a free basket of danishes if you order the right thing. I spoke with the owners who regaled me with tales of Phillies yore. They said Roy Halladay used to go in and eat breakfast before they opened every morning and that Mike Schmidt was a regular back in the day. (They don't get as many players in now because they've actually been tasked with providing breakfast for the teams at the ballparks down here, every day.) Ballparks not included, it's definitely the coolest place I've been since leaving Philly (though I might hit Hulk Hogan's bar on the way back to the airport, so don't hold me to that). Bright House Field is literally right down the street from the restaurant and offered a litany of other reminders of home, be it the big Wawa ad on the right-field wall or the aroma of Tony Luke's roast pork sandwiches that hovers near the third-base gate. Ryan Howard hit a home run for the Phillies (as did Jordan Danks and Cord Phelps) en route to an 11-4 win over the Red Sox, so that was exciting: And I got to meet a gentleman in a homemade jersey who knows how to change with the times: Now, if you'll excuse me ... I've got that date with an umbrella drink at Hogan's Beach I was tellin' you about. It's been real, Florida.

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.

Lingering Injuries And Impressive Invitees

EXHIBITION GAME RECAP: Phillies Sting Rays 5-4

Chris Archer, who will begin the season as the Rays' No. 2 starter, made his first start of the spring. After pitching a scoreless first, the right-hander allowed a one-out double to Cody Asche in the second before Freddy Galvis drove him home with a single to right during Philadelphia's 5-4 win on Sunday at Charlotte Sports Park. Archer allowed one run on three hits and a walk while striking out one in two innings. "Honestly, I gave up a run, but I'm happy overall," said Archer. "For outing No. 1, I threw too many pitches (37 total, 27 strikes), but I'm not going to beat myself up over a few extra pitches when there were so many executed. Even if they were balls. Quality pitches down in the zone." Kevin Jepsen and Brad Boxberger each threw a scoreless inning. Both of the right-handers will be used at the back end of the bullpen this season. Kevin Slowey started for the Phillies and did nothing to hurt his chances of earning the fifth spot in the rotation. The veteran right-hander retired the Rays in order while striking out two in three perfect innings. Also in the hunt for the No. 5 spot are David Buchanan and Alfredo Gonzalez. Phillies pitchers retired the first 14 Rays hitters in order. Joey Butler finally broke the spell with a two-out single in the fifth through the middle against left-hander Joely Rodriguez. The Phillies added three runs in the seventh inning on RBIs by Ben Revere, Odubel Herrera and Brian Bogusevic. Boog Powell had an RBI single and Corey Brown doubled in a run for the Rays.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION GAME:

Aaron Harang will makes his first start of the spring when the Phillies travel to Sarasota on Monday afternoon to play the Orioles in a 1:05 p.m. ET contest that can be heard on Gameday Audio. The veteran right-hander signed a one-year, $5-million contract with the Phillies in January after going 12-12 with a 3.57 ERA for the Braves in 2014.

PHILS NOTES:

• General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said there is one team that has "stepped up" its efforts to acquire left-hander Cole Hamels in the past few days, but declined to be more specific. "We're keeping an open mind," he said. "We're open-minded on everything. The transition, the rebuild, all that stuff didn't stop on Feb. 25. It's going to continue."

PHILS PHACTS:

Lee Suffers Setback – Something has gone wrong for a team that needs a lot to go right this season. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced before Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park that left-hander Cliff Lee is experiencing discomfort in the same area of his elbow that bothered him last season. That strained flexor tendon ended his season on July 31. Lee will miss his next scheduled start against the Tigers at Bright House Field. "I just don't have any idea where we're going to go from there," Amaro said. "Hopefully he'll be able to make his following start, but I'll talk with [pitching coach Bob McClure] and [manager Ryne Sandberg] and with Cliff and we'll see how he feels moving forward to see how altered his schedule will be. But it will depend on how he feels when he starts throwing again." According to Amaro, Lee felt fine during his first spring outing against the Astros on Thursday in Kissimmee. It was during his workout the following day that he began to feel something. "Very mild," the general manager said. "But because of what happened last year, we have to be hypersensitive." Lee was examined by club physician Michael Ciccotti in Clearwater. A static ultrasound and enhanced MRI were ordered. The MRI photos have been forward to renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. Amaro described the steps as precautionary and said the tests showed no damage to the UCL. "None of the area that is supposed to be affected has changed. There's no change from the last MRI we did. And he had thrown so much since then without really feeling anything until this last outing. We shouldn't say it's not alarming because it is of concern. It's the same area. But there's no increase in the original affected area," the general manager explained. "It's very, very small, a very pinpointed area. And again there's very little swelling or fluid in that area. But any time it's the elbow you've got to be concerned about it." Said manager Ryne Sandberg: "First of all, there are still some positive signs. When he does warm up, he feels fine. I'm anxious to watch him play catch and see how he progresses the next few days and see if he makes a start from there. There is concern." Amaro said all the doctors consulted last season recommended against surgery, but couldn't guess if that's now an option. "A lot of it will depend on what Dr. Andrews says, but everybody has kind of been on the same page with this," he said. "That if they do have to do a surgery and have to clean away some of the 'bad stuff' in there, it's a real small area. If it ends up having to get repaired it's six to eight months. "So I don't know. I think ultimately it'll be a decision for Cliff later on. But a lot of it will depend on how he's feeling when he starts throwing again." In the short run, this is a potential setback on more than one level. If Lee is healthy and pitching well, the Phillies are obviously a better team. And if he pitched well enough to be traded, it could help accelerate the franchise's rebuilding process. "It could affect the bigger picture," Amaro agreed. "If he can't perform, of course it's going to affect us whether he pitches for us or somebody else."

Utley Progressing Slowly – Second baseman Chase Utley is probably at least a week away from making his Grapefruit League debut after suffering a sprained right ankle while working out in January. But the Phillies remain optimistic that the six-time All-Star will be fully prepared for Opening Day. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hopes Utley can get into a game within a week, but cautioned that it remains a day-to-day situation. "I just saw his ankle [Saturday] and it's still swollen. It's going to take some time to heal. There's no reason to rush him," the general manager said before Sunday's 5-4 win over the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park. "As long as he gets 40-50 at-bats to get his timing down. I think that's the important thing." Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said he believed the 36-year-old Utley could be ready for the regular season even if he doesn't play until there are two weeks left, which is about March 21. "Two weeks can be adequate for a regular player. I think the biggest thing would be getting enough at-bats. He could get numerous at-bats in Minor League games, as guys do. Then you hit the field for two weeks. For some guys that's enough," the manager said. "He's gaining on it. He's able to take ground balls. He's able to run adequately. He's getting his conditioning in. He's taking a lot of batting practice. So I think it's more just continuing to do that to get him real stable on his ankle, which I think will help him not think about it when he's out there playing. "Everything else is good with him. That's the positive thing. He doesn't want his ankle to affect something else. So it's somewhat precautionary."

Slowey Making An Impression – Kevin Slowey is quickly becoming one of the pleasant surprises of the early days of Spring Training. The 30-year-old right-hander retired all nine batters he faced after starting the Phillies' 5-4 win over the Rays on Sunday at Charlotte Sports Park. He's in camp as a non-roster invitee after being released by the Marlins last June. In Grapefruit League play this year, Slowey has allowed one single in five innings. "I think at this point in my career, I know what makes me good. And if I can execute that, things usually turn out well. If I can't, usually they don't turn out so well. The last couple games I've been able to get ahead with fastballs in the zone and let our defense do the work," he said. The conventional wisdom coming into camp had Slowey competing with David Buchanan and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez for the fifth spot in the rotation. That calculus may have changed with Sunday's announcement that Cliff Lee, the 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner, is once again experiencing discomfort in his elbow. Slowey doesn't want to benefit from Lee's misfortune. "I was not aware of that, but that makes me sad," Slowey said. "Hopefully he'll be OK. He's a good man. We'll be praying for him for sure. It stinks. More than anything, I feel for him. "I wanted them to know early on I'll do anything it takes, in any capacity, whenever they need me to do it. Last minute, if I know ahead of time, it doesn't matter to me. I'm willing to do whatever it takes this spring and then carry it on to the season." Said manager Ryne Sandberg: "He was impressive. He threw all fastballs. I don't know if I've ever seen that before. He was able to change speeds on them."

Herrera’s Odds Increasing – When the Phillies selected Odubel Herrera from the Rangers organization in the Rule 5 Draft in December, they made it clear the plan was to use the natural infielder primarily as an outfielder. Against the Rays on Sunday at Charlotte Sports Park, though, the 2014 Double-A Texas League batting champion started at second base. Although he went hitless in four at-bats during the Phillies' 5-4 win, he's still hitting .333 this spring. "Just some added versatility for him," manager Ryne Sandberg explained. "Because you just never know what spot's going to open up for an opportunity. If the guy swings the bat and you need him in there, it helps if he can play a couple different positions." Sandberg speaks from experience. He was drafted as a shortstop, and after reaching Triple-A, he went to winter ball and played second base, third and center field. He played third base when he first came up with the Cubs, then was switched to second and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. "He looked natural [at second] as far as I was concerned," Sandberg said. He has good moves there. He looked good. And he made something happen with the bat beating out a [potential] double-play ball." Herrera has played center field so far, but will also get a look in left and right. "He's looked real good in [center field]," Sandberg said. "Very good routes. He's shown a real good arm out there. His speed really plays getting to the balls, but it's still fairly new to him. It will be useful for him going forward to get some reps in the corner outfield positions also. Which can be tougher than center because of the angles." Said the 23-year-old Herrera, who also led the Venezuelan Winter League with a .372 average for La Guaira: "I like playing second base, because that's my natural position. I feel good over there. I'm going to try to do the best I can. Right now I'm in the outfield but today they put me at second base and I'm going to have fun. "I don't know why [the Rangers didn't protect me]. But it happened for a reason. I feel good here and I hope I can stay with this team. There is a lot of opportunity here and I'm going to do the best I can to stay here." The Phillies must keep Herrera on the Major League roster for the season or send him through waivers or offer him back to the Rangers.

Family Ties – When Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg looked across the field Sunday at Charlotte Sports Park, he saw a familiar face: His nephew, Jared Sandberg, manager of the Rays' Triple-A Durham Bulls farm team. The two men chatted after batting practice, posed for pictures and made plans to try to have dinner when the Rays play in Clearwater on Friday. "It was awesome. He's moving up the ladder. He's done a nice job over there and that's good to see," said Ryne Sandberg. Said Jared Sandberg: "It was really cool. I've been in the stands when Ryne's been playing or managing, but to be in the opposing dugout was really cool for me and him and the whole family." Ryne had a Hall of Fame career with the Cubs. Jared, the son of Ryne's older brother, Del, hit 18 homers in his first 102 games after breaking in with the Rays in 2001, but developed a rare disease that caused blind spots in his vision. "He started to lose track of the baseball, so that called for the early retirement [after the 2007 season]," Ryne said. Jared immediately became a coach and manager in the Tampa Bay system. After Ryne retired, he occasionally went to visit Del and they'd catch a series when Jared played in Durham. When he was working his way through the Minors as a manager, he and Jared would sometimes get together when their schedules allowed. "We got together for Thanksgiving this year in Arizona. I usually see him five or six times a year," Ryne said. They never managed against each other in the Minors. So if Jared gets his opportunity, it would be a big day in the Sandberg family if they ever faced off against each other in the big leagues. "I've thought about it, but that's probably a long ways away from my development, from where I'm at, but at some point it would be really cool," he said. And he had a message for his uncle: "I got his signs," he said with a laugh. "Let him know."

ON THE RECORD:

The Phillies will look to rebound this season from a 73-89 record last year. While uncertainty abounds, there is little question that the franchise is in rebuild mode based on the moves and statements that have been made during the offseason. The only question that remains is whether or not the young and veteran talent on the team can work together to disprove Gillick’s predictions either this year or next.