Donning a Lehigh-Valley Iron Pigs uniform, Roy Oswalt took to the mound in his first start since June 24 after inflammation in his lower back forced him to land on the DL. His rehab start went very well; he threw four innings and surrendered his lone run on a solo home-run.
There’s not much to analyze with his first rehab start. But he is expected to make a second start in his rehab assignment on Monday. It’ll be easier to dissect Oswalt with two starts under his belt for Lehigh-Valley, especially since it’s expected he’ll go more than four innings this time around.
As for when he returns to the Phillies roster, that is still to be determined. But when he eventually does return, he will play a major role for the Phils down the stretch.
Yes, Vance Worley has been unbelievable this season. But when it comes to the postseason, the Phillies will rely on Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels for what will be the best 1-2-3 punch in baseball.
That leaves Worley with a question as to where he stands come playoff time. He probably will have the opportunity to pitch a few innings out of the bullpen and maybe even a spot start or two in the playoffs. But it all depends on Oswalt and his effectiveness (as well as his health).
If Oswalt can come back healthy, show he can get into the seventh inning while keeping his ERA at a reasonable mark, and convince Charlie Manuel that he is postseason ready, then he will be the team’s fourth pitcher in the postseason.
There’s no doubt about it.
Worley is a great story, but his inexperience could be costly in the postseason. He’s shown his fearlessness on the mound this season, but everything changes in the playoffs when it’s all-or-nothing. With Oswalt on the hill, though, the Phillies will have a postseason-experienced pitcher who won’t falter in the limelight.
Oswalt presents the Phils with the safest bet compared to Worley, who could potentially lose his confidence under the spotlight of the playoffs.
But then again, there’s a lot of if’s” in this scenario, especially concerning Oswalt and his health. Also, with the deadline approaching, Worley’s name has been thrown around as a potential centerpiece in a deal for a right-handed bat.
Expecting Worley to still remain on this roster when September rolls around, I believe the Phils will feature Oswalt in the rotation, while Worley and Kyle Kendrick settle for roles in the bullpen.
Either way, though, this is a good problem to have.
If we can get anything out of him now, it is gravy. But he is now #4 behind Hamels, Worley #5, Kendrick is the long man. Period! Your right it is a good problem to have.