BY SCOTT LAUBER Before tonight's game, Charlie Manuel and Rich Dubee said the Phillies still hadn't settled on a starter for Thursday night's series-opener against the Brewers.
Well, I think we have our answer.
Kyle Kendrick already has been knocked out of the game -- his hideous line: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 7 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR -- and replaced by rookie lefty J.A. Happ. So, it seems, Jamie Moyer will pitch Thursday night on short rest for the first time since July 6, 2004, with the Mariners. That day, he allowed seven runs on 10 hits in five innings in a 7-6 loss at Toronto. In his career, Moyer is 5-3 with a 4.12 ERA in 14 career starts with only three days of rest.
If Moyer pitches Thursday, the Phillies would need another starter for Sunday. They could choose between Happ or, brace yourself, Adam Eaton. But Eaton hasn't pitched since Aug. 30 for Class AAA Lehigh Valley, so I'm not certain if his arm is stretched out enough to make a start. Meanwhile, I think we've probably seen the last of Kendrick this season (he has an 11.35 ERA in his last six starts). It appears the Phillies will need a No. 5 starter only twice more, and Happ could be the guy.
Ultimately, here's how the rotation could shape up for the final 17 games:
Wednesday vs. Florida -- Brett Myers
Thursday vs. Milwaukee -- Jamie Moyer
Friday vs. Milwaukee -- Cole Hamels
Saturday vs. Milwaukee -- Joe Blanton
Sunday vs. Milwaukee -- TBA (J.A. Happ, Adam Eaton?)
Monday -- Off
Tuesday at Atlanta -- Brett Myers
Sept. 17 at Atlanta -- Jamie Moyer
Sept. 18 at Atlanta -- Cole Hamels
Sept. 19 at Florida -- Joe Blanton
Sept. 20 at Florida -- TBA (J.A. Happ, Adam Eaton?)
Sept. 21 at Florida -- Brett Myers
Sept. 22 vs. Atlanta -- Jamie Moyer
Sept. 23 vs. Atlanta -- Cole Hamels
Sept. 24 vs. Atlanta -- Joe Blanton
Sept. 25 -- Off
Sept. 26 vs. Washington -- Brett Myers
Sept. 27 vs. Washington -- Jamie Moyer
Sept. 28 vs. Washington -- Cole Hamels
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