Aug. 5 -- RETURN OF FREDDY?

Could Freddy Garcia, the $10 million disappointment last season, be headed back to the Phillies?

It's possible.

But it isn't probable.

Assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. just got through saying that the Phils dispatched minor-league pitching coordinator Gorman Heimueller to the University of Miami today to watch Garcia's throwing session for several teams. The team is still awaiting Heimueller's report. Garcia won one game for the Phillies last season before undergoing major shoulder surgery. His agent, Peter Greenberg, has told the Phils that Garcia would be open to returning, according to Amaro.

But the Phillies don't have an opening in their rotation for J.A. Happ, so it's doubtful they could find one for Garcia. More likely, they're just covering their bases by making sure they see Garcia throw.

Also, the Phillies are interested in lefty reliever Scott Eyre, who was designated for assignment today by the Cubs. They are not interested in right-hander Livan Hernandez, who was released last week by the Twins.

More in tomorrow's News Journal.