The Philadelphia Phillies have activated starting pitcher Roy Oswalt from the 15-day disabled list.
Oswalt has been sidelined since April 26 due to lower back spasms.
The right-hander will return to the Phillies lineup on Tuesday evening in St. Louis against the Cardinals.
Oswalt left a start back on April 15 due to back spasms. After successfully making his next scheduled start on April 21 he stuggled on April 26 against the Arizona Diamondbacks allowing 5 runs in just 3 innings.
He then left the Phillies following that start and returned home to Weir, Mississippi to tend to family matters regarding the devastation from recent tornadoes and storms.
Oswalt rejoined the Phillies on Thursday, May 5 and pitched a bullpen session. However pitching coach Rich Dubee described Oswalt’s back as “cranky” and said he would not make his next scheduled start. The team then placed Oswalt on the disabled list with a back injury.
The former Houston Astros ace pitched in a rehab assignment for Single-A Clearwater last Thursday and struggled through 5 innings. Oswalt’s fastball velocity was down 2-3 miles per hour. However he reported no back pain after the performance.
To make room for Oswalt on the 25-man active roster the Phillies have optioned right-hander pitcher Vance Worley to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Worley has been spectacular for the Phillies in 2011 going 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA. The team justify Worley’s demotion to the minor leagues by citing the fact that they want to keep him stretched out as a starter in case he is needed for a spot start in the big leagues down the road.
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