Does anyone want to be the Phillies' fifth starter?Anyone? Anyone?
Bueller?
With Adam Eaton's balky back flaring up (he had an MRI exam and CT scan today), the door seemingly has swung open for Rule 5 lefty Travis Blackley to earn a spot in the rotation. But Blackley struggled today in Winter Haven, allowing five runs on four hits and four walks in only 1-2/3 innings. It was his first spring-training start. He had previously tossed three scoreless innings of relief.
Chad Durbin (7.20 ERA) and J.D. Durbin (7.50 ERA) haven't been particularly good this spring. Eaton (15.75 ERA) has been horrific. Francisco Rosario and Fabio Castro remain darkhorse candidates, and Kris Benson hasn't thrown in a major-league game yet.
Of course, it's never too late to call Kyle Lohse. Chances are, he's waiting by the phone.
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Speaking of Benson, he allowed three hits and a walk in three scoreless innings today in an intra-squad minor-league game back in Clearwater under the watchful eyes of GM Pat Gillick and assistant GM Mike Arbuckle.
It marked the first time since Sept. 27, 2006, that he had pitched in game conditions (even simulated ones), and it remains unclear when his surgically repaired right shoulder will be ready to pitch in Grapefruit League games -- or if he'll be ready to start the season on time. ... Oh, and my sources tell me Anna Benson made her first appearance of the spring. That's good news, at least.
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