Kendrick, Pelfrey Finish Out Series

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

Philadelphia Phillies (65-51) at New York Mets (58-58)
Kyle Kendrick (7-5, 4.60 ERA) vs. Mike Pelfrey (11-6, 3.95 ERA)

Tonight, the Phillies and Mets wrap up a three-game series that is currently split at a game apiece. On Friday, Cole Hamels fell on the short end as R.A Dickey one-hit the Phillies. Roy Halladay was the stopper in last night's victory, shutting out the Mets in eight frames.

Kyle Kendrick has been all or nothing in most of his starts this year. He has either dominated, or been lit up. In six starts against New York, Kendrick has fared well posting an ERA of 3.34. It is never really certain on what Kendrick will do.

Kendrick will be opposed by Mike Pelfrey, who has had a solid year with the Mets. Against the Phillies, he has been very up and down. Sometimes the Phillies can pound him; other times he pounds the Phillies.

If the Mets end up getting into a save situation, Francisco Rodriguez would likely be asked to close. Today, K-Rod returns from his two-game suspension due to a third-degree assault. It would be nice if the Phillies could score many runs and avoid a potential K-Rod animated celebration.

Kendrick Struggles; Utley Injured

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Ryan Howard put good wood on a baseball and sent it to the deepest angle of Great American ballpark. Off the bat, it looked long gone, but it ricocheted off the top of the center field wall. That summed up the day for the Phillies: nothing seemed to go their way.

Kyle Kendrick retired the first ten batters he faced, but fell apart quickly after. In the fourth inning, Scott Rolen smacked a two-run shot to left. Since leaving the Phillies, Rolen has given his former club all sorts of fits (.350 AVG career vs. Phillies) and troubles. But that is typical for most ex-Phillies; it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

The Reds kept chipping away and tacked Kendrick for six runs (five earned) in 6.1 innings.

Meanwhile, Johnny Cueto cruised along, surrendering just one run in eight innings of work. He got plenty of help from his defense, as the Reds backed him with numerous spectacular plays and web gems, showing why they lead the majors in fielding percentage.

The Phillies finally added a couple runs with two outs in the ninth inning. Raul Ibanez sent Bill Bray’s breaking ball into the right field bleachers for a meaningless home run. It can’t hurt his statistics.

There is a little concern regarding Chase Utley, who was mysteriously removed for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning. It was later revealed that Utley had his thumb wrapped, and will have an MRI tomorrow. Utley, who made a fielding error, injured his thumb by sliding head first into second base.

“Hopefully [Utley] isn’t seriously-seriously hurt. But for him to leave the game, that in itself says something. That’s the last guy is going to take himself out of the game,” Shane Victorino said.

There is no word on the severity of the injury, but if Utley were to miss time, that would be a huge blow for an already snake-bitten clubhouse. Placido Polanco would normally be the replacement, however he remains out of the lineup due to elbow problems. Losing any player of Utley’s caliber is tough, so hopefully he does not miss a significant amount of time.

The Phillies’ 7-3 loss showed that the Reds are legitimate contenders. They currently sit in first place in the National League Central, when in previous seasons they were towards the cellar. The Reds finally have a healthy mix of young, talented players and proven veterans. If the Phillies are going to contend, they have to beat teams like the Reds, who also have a chance to make the postseason.

QUOTE SOURCE: Ryan Lawrence

Dice-K Nearly No-Hits Phils

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Daisuke Matsuzaka was four outs away from tossing a no-hitter against the Phillies. Juan Castro broke up the no-hit bid with a bloop single over the head of Marco Scutaro. For the Phillies, it was appropriate that the only hit came on a blooper since the Phillies hit the the ball hard most of the night.

Dice-K didn't exactly dominate. He had a high pitch count, walked four, and struck out five. Yes -- the Phillies weren't able to collect hits off him, but they did scorch the ball. The Red Sox made several incredible defensive plays. Dustin Pedroia made a leaping catch to rob Chase Utley. Jayson Werth lined a shot right back at Matsuzaka, who made an insane catch. Adrian Beltre dove to take a hit away from Carlos Ruiz, and turned it into a double play. Overall, the Phillies were hitting the ball hard, just right at fielders.

While Dice-K was literally unhittable, Kyle Kendrick was the complete opposite. He surrendered five runs, all earned. Kendrick cruised through the first couple of innings, but hit a rock in the fifth. The Red Sox already led 1-0 at the time, thanks to a sacrifice fly in which Raul Ibanez failed to nail David Ortiz at the plate. Kendrick was one out away from keeping it a one-run game, however J.D Drew, Ortiz, and Beltre each knocked in runs.

The Red Sox took a 5-0 lead, and did not look back. Matsuzaka got a lot of luck on Saturday, and perhaps things will come easier tomorrow for the Phillies with Roy Halladay on the mound.

BoSox/Phils Preview; Rollins to DL

For full gameday, visit Phillies Nation.

The Boston Red Sox (22-21) face the Philadelphia Phillies (26-15).

Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP (2-1, 7.89 ERA) starts vs. Kyle Kendrick, RHP (2-1, 5.24 ERA).

These aren't the same Boston Red Sox that we've seen in recent history, as witnessed in the Phillies' 5-1 win last night. At this time of year, we're used to seeing the Red Sox towards the top of the American League East, but instead they are quickly falling to the .500 mark.

Today, Jacoby Ellsbury will be coming off the disabled list for the Red Sox. Ellsbury will need to be watched on the base paths, but the speedy outfielder missed a significant amount of time due to broken ribs. On the other hand, Jimmy Rollins was placed back on the disabled list. Rollins re-injured his calf by running out of the batter's box in last night's game. The grade one strain is not said to be worse than the first injury, however Rollins is still expected to miss two weeks. Wilson Valdez was recalled to take his spot.

Daisuke Matsuzaka will take the hill for the Red Sox. Dice-K has had high expectations since coming over from Japan in 2007, but struggled last year and to this point this year. Dice-K faced the Phillies once in his career, and gave up four runs in as many innings.

Dice-K will be opposed by Kyle Kendrick, who is coming off a great start against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kendrick has been up and down all season, so it's always a mystery as to what kind of performance the Phillies will get out of him. Kendrick is 0-2 with a very high ERA in his career against Boston. Kendrick would like to continue the Phillies' recent success on the mound. In May, Phillies starters are 11-4 with a 2.96 ERA. Starters went at least six innings in 18 of the last 19 starts, including 13 quality starts.

Tonight's Lineup: Victorino (CF), Polanco (3B), Utley (2B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Ibanez (LF), Ruiz (C), Castro (SS), Kendrick (P).

Fifth Spot: Kendrick or Moyer?

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Entering spring training, Ruben Amaro Jr. said that the fifth spot in the rotation was Jamie Moyer’s to lose. While Kyle Kendrick has made his case for the fifth spot, Moyer has done nothing to lose it.

In 19.2 innings this spring, Kendrick has a 1.37 earned run average. In that span, he has given up 12 hits, walked four and struck out seven. He has yet to allow a home run.

Kendrick made his last start against the Astros. In 5.2 innings, he allowed one earned run on five hits.

On the other hand, Moyer has a 0.77 earned run average in 11.2 innings. The 47-year old has only allowed six hits and has yet to walk a batter. He has also struck out 12.

Moyer spent a majority of spring pitching in “B” games, but perhaps he sealed the deal with 6.2 shut out innings against the New York Yankees. Tossing 74 pitches against the Bronx Bombers, Moyer struck out six.

Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee have yet to name the fifth starter. So, who will the fifth rotation spot belong to? Kyle Kendrick or Jamie Moyer?

Kendrick Making His Case

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Kyle Kendrick is on a mission. He's been picking Roy Halladay's brain. Some days, he beats Halladay to the ballpark -- which is usually as early as 5:00 a.m! By his current work ethic, it's easy to tell that Kendrick wants to be the Phillies' fifth starter.

The New York Yankees defeated the Phillies 7-5 on Monday, but the Phillies received an impressive outing from Kendrick, who continues to make his case for the final spot in the rotation. Kendrick tossed three scoreless innings. In the process, he struck out one. He allowed just one hit and did not walk a batter.

On the other hand, Jose Contreras pitch terribly. In 1.2 innings, he surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks. There was a very slight chance that Contreras would be the fifth starter, but it's more realistic for him to fill Chan Ho Park's spot in the bullpen, with Kendrick and Jamie Moyer dishing it out for the fifth slot.

Also in the game, Jimmy Rollins (2-for-4) smashed his second home run of the spring. For the first time this spring, Domonic Brown did not get a hit (0-for-2).

Halladay will start tomorrow against the Braves. Andrew Carpenter, Danys Baez, and Ryan Madson are slated to pitch. Billy Wagner is scheduled to pitch for the Braves.

Player Recaps: Bullpen

This article was featured on Phillies Nation under 2009 Player Reviews.

Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson were the main arms in the bullpen, but there were other important arms, such as Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, and Brett Myers. Tyler Walker, Sergio Escalona, Antoino Bastardo, Jack Taschner, and Kyle Kendrick also spent time in the big league bullpen.

Collectively, the Phillies bullpen had a 3.91 ERA, which ranked 14th in the majors, and ninth in the National League.

With J.C Romero suspended and injured, Scott Eyre was a key factor in the bullpen, serving as a left-handed specialist. Eyre only pitched 30 innings, but he posted a 1.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. It’s unknown if Eyre will return in 2010. Eyre had injury problems, and had surgery in the off season. Eyre, a free agent, also tossed around the idea of retiring.

Chan Ho Park won the fifth starter’s spot in spring training. In seven starts, he posted a 7.29 ERA and lost his starting spot to J.A Happ. Park moved to the bullpen, and was extremely effective, posting a 2.52 ERA. His role as a reliever was undefined. Sometimes we would eat two or three innings; in other situations he acted as a set-up man in close games. Like Eyre, Park is a free agent, and a return is uncertain.

For the second year in a row, Brett Myers was the Opening Day starter. However, Myers missed most of the season due to a hip injury. Myers beat the odds and returned from surgery before the season ended. He struggled at the end of the regular season and in the postseason, but his determination was still there. The Phillies already notified Myers that he will not be a Phillie in 2010.

After a few bullpen injuries, Tyler Walker’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Walker pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies. He had a 3.06 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He later earned trust from the skipper in close game situations.

Sergio Escalona had a busy travel schedule. The young lefty shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors. The 24-year old went 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in 14 games.

Antonio Bastardo tore up the minor leagues before being called up to start. However, he struggled during his time in the majors. He had a 6.46 ERA, then was placed on the disabled list. In need of bullpen help, Bastardo made the NLDS and NLCS roster. Despite only pitching 0.1 innings in the postseason, the decision to add Bastardo to the postseason roster was bold, and showed that the Phillies think highly of him. The 23-year old has a hard fastball, a nasty slider and changeup, and the potential to be a good major league pitcher.

The Phillies needed a lefty, so they shopped Ronny Paulino to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Taschner. Taschner’s stay in Philadelphia wasn’t a pleasant one. He had a 4.91 ERA in 29 innings before getting the boot.

From the beginning of spring training, it was Kyle Kendrick’s goal to show that his sophomore slump was just a fluke. He didn’t win the final spot in the rotation, although he did make a few spot starts. Kendrick spent most of the season in Triple-A, only pitching 26.1 innings in the majors. He had a 3.42 ERA, but he was very inconsistent. Kendrick has another opportunity to redeem himself and win the fifth starter’s job in 2010.

The 2009 bullpen was recognized more for their reality show, “The Pen,” than anything else. The bullpen wasn’t the Phillies strong point like in 2008, however it was about average. They had guys like Park who could get the job done, but they also had guys like Taschner who couldn’t.

The Final Roster & Starters Named

The final roster does not include Eric Bruntlett, Clay Condrey, or Tyler Walker. Instead, it will feature Miguel Cairo, Antonio Bastardo, and Kyle Kendrick.

A year ago, Bruntlett scored the game winning run in game five of the World Series. Bruntlett highlighted this season with an unassisted triple play, but that couldn’t overshadow his .171 average. Clay Condrey had a 3.00 ERA, but was plagued with injuries all season. For awhile, it looked like Tyler Walker earned a spot on the postseason roster, but he fell apart at the end of the season.

Miguel Cairo made a strong push in the last two weeks of the season. Cairo batted .267 overall, and ended the season 5-for-13 (.385) with a homer. The Phillies made an interesting move by adding rookie Antonio Bastardo to the roster. The Phillies are in need of a left-handed pitcher. Bastardo will likely be in the same role that J.A Happ was in last year. Bastardo breezed through the farm system, but went 2-3 with an ERA over six with the big club.

Kyle Kendrick does not forget 2007 when he started against the Rockies in the NLDS. Charlie Manuel pulled him, in what many felt to be too soon. He’ll be given another opportunity, but out of the bullpen this time. He pitched well in Triple-A this season, and had a 3.42 ERA in the majors this year.

Cliff Lee was tabbed for game one of the series. Cole Hamels will start game two. Joe Blanton and J.A Happ will likely be available in the bullpen for the first two games. It is unsure as to what Pedro Martinez's role will be, but he will likely pitch out of the bullpen.

In other news, J.C Romero will need surgery. He will miss 3-4 months. In Rockies news, Jorge De La Rosa will not pitch in the NLDS.

Blog of Note: Phillies Phanatics had a round table discussion. I was part of the discussion with several other Phillies bloggers. Check it out!

Sloppy Defense Leads to Walk-Off Loss

As seen on Phillies Nation.

When Jimmy Rollins failed to make a basket catch in the sixth inning, Jamie Moyer put his hand over his face. It summed up the night for the Phillies. Sloppy defense was the biggest issue in the 7-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Paul Bako opened the scoring with a two-run shot in the second inning. By the third inning, the Phillies led 4-0. In addition, Ryan Howard hit an upper-decker in the fifth inning.

Kyle Kendrick made a spot start for an ailing Pedro Martinez. In four innings, Kendrick allowed three runs (2 earned). Moyer pitched four innings in relief, and gave up two runs. Braden Looper allowed five runs (3 earned) in six innings.

The game was highlighted with four errors, two committed by each team. Raul Ibanez couldn’t keep a ball in front of him. Kendrick made an overthrow. Jayson Werth and Chase Utley miscommunicated on a blooper down the right field line. To top it off, Craig Counsell’s flair bounced off Rollins’ leg, tying the game at five.

The ninth inning must be cursed. Tyler Walker hoped to send the game into extra innings. With a runner on, Walker threw a meatball down the middle of the plate. That’s not something you want to do with Ryan Braun batting. Braun’s walk-off home run cleared the right center field wall.

The bad news doesn’t end. The Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins each won, cutting the division lead to five. The magic number remains at four. Monday is the earliest the Phillies can clinch.

This ball club has been looking lifeless. They need to stop worrying about clinching. Instead, take it game by game and clean up their act. They’ll try to rebound tomorrow with Joe Blanton on the mound.

Mayberry, Kendrick Recalled

John Mayberry Jr. and Kyle Kendrick have been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. They are expected to arrive in Houston today.

In 5.1 innings with the Phillies this season, Kendrick is 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA. Mayberry is batting .189 with 4 HR and 8 RBI.

Chase Utley is day-to-day with a bruised foot, and Shane Victorino left last night's game with swelling in his right knee.

Former Phillie Randy Wolf won his 100th career game last night.

Another former Phillie, Curt Schilling, discussed the possibilities of becoming involved with politics. You can read more on 38 Pitches.

Bullpen Moves

Clay Condrey was placed on the disabled list. Steven Register has been called up. Register has a 2.88 ERA in 25 innings with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Condrey just returned from a stint on the disabled list.

In addition, Kyle Kendrick replaces Andrew Carpenter in the bullpen. Carpenter made two appearances out of the bullpen. He allowed two earned runs in 1 and 1/3 of an inning. Kendrick allowed 3 earned runs in 2 innings in the Phillies bullpen earlier this season.

Kendrick Scratched

Kyle Kendrick was a late scratch from his start with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The move is a little suspicious, but it could mean one of a few things.

1. He is legitimately hurt. However, my IronPigs insider, IRONPIGPEN, told me that Kendrick is not hurt.
2. He is getting called up. However, that might not make sense because the Phillies have nobody to send down, unless somebody is being placed on the disabled list. Even though, they would probably recall Sergio Escalona if that were the case.
3. There is a trade in the works.

Call of the Day: In 2007, Kyle Kendrick made some nice plays against the Pirates.

"Nice play by Kendrick. That will not get the run home. That is
out number two."

Pharm Phriday: Kyle Kendrick Punk'd Again

Remember when Brett Myers pulled an awesome prank on Kyle Kendrick which led Kendrick to believing he was traded to Japan? Awesome times, right? Remember when Kendrick was called up for one game this season and blew the game? Not so awesome times. Either way, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs brought out their best attire which may have fooled the man they call "KK"

By now, we all know that Cole Hamels married Heidi Strobel, a former "Survivor" contestant. Well, maybe he started a trend. Kendrick proposed to his girlfriend, Stephanie LaGrossa, another "Survivor" contestant.

A few days later, after the news was out, the IronPigs sported a tuxedo jersey. KK, being as gullible as what-ever is gullible these days, thought it was in his honor.

"It was kind of weird just getting engaged and then having to wear those things
the first time back," Kendrick said. "I had no idea what was going on until I
got here."

Silly Kendrick, the tuxedo's are for the team's second annual Ball Park Wedding Night! Before the game, a happy couple exchanged their wedding vowels.

Although the IronPigs looked dandy, these tuxedo jersey's are a one time deal. They will be auctioned for charity.

Oh yeah, besides the fancy looks, there was a game. Michael Taylor went 0-3 in his IronPigs debut and Kendrick pitched eight innings, allowing just two runs in the IronPigs' win.

SOURCE: Big League Stew

Injury Updates

Scott Eyre has been placed on the 15 day disabled list with a strained right calf. Kyle Kendrick was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Eyre could be out for "quite a while."

Jason Donald will need surgery on his right knee and will miss 3-4 weeks. Lou Marson was also placed on the disabled list. Donald and Marson were both hitting under .235 in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Pharm Phriday: 5/15

This edition of Pharm Phriday is a bit more laid back. It was featured on Phillies Nation earlier in the week, but I updated the stats.


The Phillies Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, are 14-19, 5th place in International North League.

Standout Star

Mike Cervenak: .328 AVG/ 3 HR/ 22 RBI/ .832 OPS

Jason Donald and Carlos Carrasco are two minor leaguers that everybody has their eye on. Donald has been up and down so far this season, but is tearing up lefties. He is hitting .421 against them. Overall he is batting .254 with one home run and 13 runs batted in. His on-base plus slugging percentage is .679. He has played the majority of the time at shortstop, but has played a few games at third base.

Carrasco was off to a terrific start, but has struggled in his last four starts. In his first three starts he lacked run support from the IronPigs so he had no wins to show for it. In 35.1 innings, he has 37 strikeouts, but is 0-4 with a 6.62 earned run average and allowed 1.75 walks per innings pitched.

Kyle Kendrick is 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA in seven starts. He has allowed a lot of hits (39 in 36 innings), but has been able to escape jams.

The Double-A Reading Phillies are 18-13, and in 3rd place in the Northern Eastern League.

Standout Stars

Michael Taylor: .310 AVG/ 6 HR/ 23 RBI/ 5 SB/ 9.65 OPS

Vance Worley: 3-0/ 2.11 ERA/ 0.86 WHIP/ 34 SO/ 38.1 IP

Class A Advanced team, the Clearwater Threshers, are 18-15. They are in 2nd place in the Florida State League North.

Standout Star-

Dominic Brown: .317 AVG/ 6 HR/ 26 RBI/ .974 OPS

Dominic Brown has been the standout star by far, but Kyle Drabek is a player to watch. So far he has rebounded nicely from Tommy John surgery. He is 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He has struck out an amazing 51 batters in 40.2 innings.

The Class A Lakewood Blue Claws are 18-14. They are in 2nd place in the Northern South Atlantic League.

Jason Knapp is the player to watch for the Blue Claws. Overall he is 2-3 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, but was practically lights out in his first four starts. He was rocked in two of his outings, but his 53 strike outs in 37.2 innings is unbelievable.

April Phools

Chase Utley was traded!

... APRIL PHOOLS!

Okay, so I'm not so good at this. If you haven't gotten the Conficker Worm yet, your probably googling pranks.. find the best hiding spots for whoopee cushions; take the icing out of an oreo and replace it with toothpaste; switch the salt and the sugar, ya know, the usual. Ya know who is good at practical jokes? Brett Myers.





Fitting, as Kendrick was sent down to the minors a few weeks ago. And that's no joke.

Kendrick Continues his Struggles

Kyle Kendrick, who was recently demoted to the minor leagues, made his first spring start with the Lehigh Vally IronPigs.

Kendrick allowed four runs in the first inning of the IronPigs' 8-3 loss to the Yankees Triple-A team. In 3.1 innings of work, Kendrick allowed 5 earned runs on nine hits and 3 walks. He struck out two.

Kendrick said he'll be back on the major league roster, but for now, he is going to need a little more work in the minors.

Kendrick, Donald, Others Opted to Minor League Camp

It is safe to say Kyle Kendrick officially is out of the race for the 5th starters spot in the rotation. Kendrick was opted to Minor League camp. During spring training, Kendrick was 1-3 with an ERA over 9.

"At first I was upset, but I know what I need to do. I'm going to go down there
and work on my secondary pitches. I'll be back."

Kendrick remains confident that he will be in a big league uniform soon,

"I see myself as a big-league pitcher."

"I didn't show my offspeed stuff early enough. It was a little erratic
at times. It just needs to get better. I know I need to get better and the
things I need to do. I'll go down there with a clear mind and get better and
I'll be back."

Lou Marson and Jason Donald were also opted to minor league camp. With Rollins returning from the World Baseball Classic and the season approaching, Donald was to expect a decrease in playing time. Donald batted .296 during spring training. He made a name for a bench spot, but the Phillies would like him to stay fresh playing every day in Lehigh Valley.

Dave Borkowski, Jake Woods, and Brad Harman were also opted to minor league camp. Although he is expected to start in Triple-A, Carlos Carrasco, however, remains with the big club fighting for the last spot in the rotation.

Note: Curt Schilling also announced his retirement today.

QUOTE SOURCE: The Zo Zone

Rotation Race

The picture for the 5th spot in the rotation may be becoming clearer for the Phillies as each of the 4 candidates up for the job have made several appearances this spring.

J.A Happ: 4 G, 11 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9 SO, 10 H, 2 BB, .244 AVG, 2 HR

Carlos Carrasco: 4 G, 2-1, 10 IP, 6.30 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 13 H, 3 BB, 10 SO, .295 AVG, 2 HR, 9.00 K/9

Chan Ho Park: 2 G, 1-0, 7 IP, 2.57 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 7 H, 0 BB, 5 SO, .269 AVG, 1 HR,

Kyle Kendrick*: 3 G, 1-1, 15.81 ERA, 2.70 WHIP, 19 H, 1 BB, 3 SO, 4 HR

*- includes scrimmage against World Baseball Classic team Canada.

Rich Dubee previously declared the 5th spot was Kendrick's job to lose, and maybe he was right. It looks like Kendrick is well on his way to losing the job. So far it looks like its down to Happ and Park, however Happ could be the favorite. I think the Phillies would like Park in the bullpen, where he had success with in 2008 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Phirst Win of Spring

The Philadelphia Phillies won their first game of the spring against the Tampa Bay Rays, 12-5.

The Phillies put on a power display in the first inning. Ryan Howard, John Mayberry Jr. and Miguel Cairo each hit home runs off Mitch Talbot. Ronnie Paulino later hit a home run in the 6th inning off J.P. Howell.

Kyle Kendrick pitched 2.2 innings, allowing just one earned run, a solo home run by Ray Sadler. Kendrick worked on the changeup he is trying to improve, overall having a solid performance.

Pat Burrell was 1-2 with a double down the left field line against his former team. Burrell received a nice ovation by the Clearwater crowd and tipped his cap.

Jason Werth was a late scratch because he tweaked his shoulder during batting practice yesterday, but hopes to be ready to play on Monday.

The Phillies have also been giving prospect Jason Donald every opportunity. Donald has played in every game this spring. Although he has just one hit to show, he has hit the ball hard. Today he played third and made a spectacular catch in foul territory, falling into the stands.