Roy Oswalt will not miss a turn in the rotation. Charlie Manuel has Oswalt, who tweaked his back running out a grounder Friday, penciled in to start tonight in San Diego.
“Roy is looking good,” Manuel said. “According to [pitching coach] Rich [Dubee], he said Roy is ready to go for his next start. That’s good news for us.”
Especially since Oswalt (2-0, 2.50 ERA) has had a history of back trouble. However, it’s evident that the current soreness in his lower back is minor.
“We’re going to need him,” Manuel said. “It’s always tough out on the West Coast and it would be tougher without him [in the rotation]. We don’t need another pitcher to go down.”
Phillies reliever J.C. Romero was placed on the 15-day DL after suffering a strained right calf Monday night. Mike Zagurski was called up.
The extra day off, courtesy of Saturday’s rainout, can’t hurt Oswalt.
“I don’t think that’s a bad thing,” Manuel said. “That [rainout] gives Oswalt and all the starters a break. We need all of our starters to go out there and pitch well.”
