Welcome back, Doctor: Halladay slated to start

The Phillies actually won a series over the weekend. It was the first time the team won a series since June 19-21, when they took two out of three from Colorado at Citizens Bank Park.

But that wasn’t the best part. The Phillies also announced that ace Roy Halladay will start tomorrow night’s game in Los Angeles. Halladay has been on the disabled list since May 28 with a right lat strain. The right-hander is 4-5 with a 3.98 ERA in 11 starts this season.

Halladay pitched three innings last Thursday in Florida and looked fine, according to pitching coach Rich Dubee. The 35-year-old threw 61 pitches in that one, allowing an earned run on three hits. He also tossed a 30-pitch bullpen session Saturday.

Halladay takes Kyle Kendrick’s turn in the rotation, with Joe Blanton slated to start today against the Dodgers and Cliff Lee on Wednesday. Phils skipper Charlie Manuel gave Ryan Howard and Chase Utley the day off yesterday in the series finale vs. Colorado. The pair spent the first three months of the season on the DL.

“Right now, for Howard and Utley, it’s two on, one [off],” Manuel told reporters. “But I want to build it up to three and four, and then turn them loose. I’ll always give them a break during the week, but I’d like to get them as many games as possible.”

Polanco on the block, too?

Add Placido Polanco’s name to the rumor mill.

As trade winds gust around Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino, keep an eye on Polanco. Teams — specifically the Orioles — have been calling the Phillies about the availability of Polanco, according to MLB.com.

The Phillies are seeking a top prospect or two, according to the report. Polanco is hitting .266 with two home runs and 18 RBIs.