BY SCOTT LAUBERWASHINGTON -- J.A. Happ pitched well enough in spring training to win a spot in the Phillies' starting rotation, but he was edged out by Chan Ho Park. He was slated to make a spot start in the second half of today's day-night doubleheader here against the Nats, but because Brad Lidge blew another save, the Phillies needed Happ to pitch in extra innings.
So, instead, it'll be Andrew Carpenter making his first major-league start tonight. Carpenter, who pitched one scoreless inning in his major-league debut for the Phillies last season, is 1-0 with a 4.72 ERA in six starts at Class AAA Lehigh Valley. He has allowed 31 hits and 15 walks in 34-1/3 innings. To make room on the roster, the Phillies designated seldom-used infielder Miguel Cairo for assignment. Cairo was 2-for-17 during his brief Phillies career.
Happ, meanwhile, can't catch a break.
It's a shame, too, because he has pitched superbly out of the bullpen. A starter throughout his minor-league career, Happ has posted a 2.49 ERA in 12 relief appearances, including his two scoreless innings tonight. At least Happ got credit for the victory. That's one thing, I suppose, that couldn't be taken away from him.
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