Chase Utley & Carlos Ruiz Progress, But Roy Oswalt’s Fastball Lacks Velocity

Three important pieces of the Phillies’ puzzle played together in a minor league game on Thursday night. Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, and Roy Oswalt all made rehab appearances for Single-A Clearwater.

Utley turned in another encouraging performance, going 1-2 at the plate with a homerun, a walk, and scored two runs. The former UCLA star once again didn’t report any issues with his knee. Barring any setbacks, he is getting closer and closer to a return.

Ruiz went 1-3 with a single. He didn’t report any discomfort in his back during the game, and should be ready to go for the Phillies on Friday.

The news was not all good for the rehabbing stars though. While Utley and Ruiz took steps forward in their rehab, Roy Oswalt was not able to enjoy the same success. The veteran ace went five innings, allowed three runs on seven hits, and struck out five. His fastball didn’t have its normal velocity. The right-hander normally hits between 93-94 mph, but struggled to get his velocity over 90 mph on Thursday.

Oswalt’s struggles will raise questions about the status of his back. Before he left to tend to his family, he had been removed from a start against the Marlins after six innings because of discomfort in his back. In the former All-Star’s next start, he was chased from the game after giving up five runs in three innings. When he returned from Mississippi, he threw a single bullpen session, and the next day was placed on the disabled list.

The Phillies hope that Oswalt will be able to make a start for them on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals. If he can’t get his velocity back to where it needs to be, his first start with the Phillies since the end of the April may not be a long one. The 33-year old’s back is a serious concern, and if he doesn’t make significant progress in his recovery soon, the Phillies may need to consider shutting him down for awhile in order to make sure he is healthy at the end of the season.