Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Roy Oswalt has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves due to “lower back soreness.”
The right-hander left a start back on April 15th due to back spasms. After successfully making his next scheduled start on April 21st, Oswalt stuggled on April 26th against the Arizona Diamondbacks allowing 5 runs in just 3 innings.
Oswalt 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.
He rejoined the Phillies on Thursday and pitched a bullpen session.
However on Friday pitching coach Rich Dubee described Oswalt’s back as “cranky” and said he would not make his next scheduled start.
If Oswalt is placed on the disabled list, it would be retroactive to April 27th and would put him on pace to come off the DL for his next scheduled start on May 11th against the Atlanta Braves.
Right-handed pitcher Kyle Kendrick will start in Oswalt’s place on Saturday. Kendrick is not fully stretched out due to pitching out of the bullpen all season. Manager Charlie Manuel told the media that Kendrick will be available for 65-75 pitches on Saturday. Right-handed starter Vance Worley will also be available out of the bullpen.
Utley Update
Phillies star 2nd baseman Chase Utley is set to take the next step in his attempt to return to the Phillies lineup.
According to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, Utley will be play in his first extended Spring Training game in Clearwater, Florida on Saturday.
Utley has been out since the beginning of Spring Training due to chondromalicia and patellar tendinitis in his knee.
There has been no timetable set on when Utley will play in his first rehab game.
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