Brett Myers has been a relief pitcher since April 18, a closer since May 3. And, for the most part, he's had success in those roles. Last night's 4-3 loss, of course, was a notable exception. Myers entered a tie game in the ninth inning and allowed solo homers to Kevin Kouzmanoff and Terrmel Sledge, the latter barely clearing the left-field wall and landing in the flower beds.Since Myers became a reliever, he has allowed 11 earned runs. Eight have come after he's entered a tie game. Nine of his 22 appearances since taking over for Tom Gordon as the closer have been non-save situations. He has an 8.68 ERA in those games, compared to 0.61 in his 13 save opportunities (he has converted 12 of 13).
*
Eleven months after undergoing elbow ligament replacement (Tommy John) surgery, Scott Mathieson is throwing 95 to 97 mph in the minors. He's in line to join the Phillies bullpen, possibly as early as Sept. 3. Also within the notebook, there are updates on Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Adam Eaton and more fallout from Carlos Ruiz's slide into Marcus Giles on Friday night. Ruiz got hit by a pitch last night, but then, the Phillies kind of figured he would. No retribution by Phillies pitchers, but that isn't surprising either. The Phillies need to win games, not get pitchers ejected from them.
*
My Sunday baseball notes take a look at the Mets, who have endured their share of injuries this season, too. In fact, for all the fuss about the Phillies having 18 players on the DL, the Mets have had 17. And they're still leading the NL East.
*
Check out Ginger Wall's photo gallery from last night's game.
*
Surprisingly upbeat mood in the Phillies' clubhouse this morning. There was laughter, joking and all-around good spirit. Not quite what you'd expect from a team that has lost six of seven games at the most critical point of its season. But I took it to be a good sign, and sure enough, the Phillies have taken a 6-0 lead in the second inning against Padres rookie Tim Stauffer. Ryan Howard even has a homer, his first in 47 plate appearances since the fifth inning Aug. 12.
1 comment:
Refreshing to see Howard hit a bomb today, that's all I've got to say. That and, as I've mentioned before, when Howard's uncomfortable at the plate, he seems like he sort of stands up more. When he's hitting well and knocking the ball out of the yard, he looks like his knees are bent a little bit more. Just an observation.
And Scott, what do you think the chances are that the Phils go after Wickman?
Post a Comment