Player News

Team News
Arizona Diamondbacks
Atlanta Braves
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians
Colorado Rockies
Detroit Tigers
Florida Marlins
Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers
Minnesota Twins
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Oakland Athletics
Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Seattle Mariners
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals

Philadelphia Phillies

8/16/2006

Pat Burrell, phi

Burrell was out of the lineup Tuesday for the second straight night against a right-handed pitcher. Manager Charlie Manuel went with left-handed hitting David Dellucci in left field and switch-hitter Shane Victorino in right. "It worked last night," Manuel said. The Phillies scored 13 runs Monday night, including six in the first inning against Pedro Martinez.

8/15/2006

Tom Gordon, phi

Gordon has soreness in his right shoulder and will likely miss the rest of Philadelphia's four-game series with the New York Mets. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Gordon will be examined at a local hospital Tuesday as a precaution. "He'll be all right," Manuel said. "Two to three days of rest should take care of it."

8/5/2006

Chase Utley, phi

Utley's hitting streak ended at 35 straight games Friday in the Philadelphia Phillies' 5-3 win over the New York Mets. The Phillies second baseman went 0-for-5 against the Mets, closing a hitting streak that tied him for 10th longest in the history of the majors. Utley had nine home runs, two triples, 14 doubles and 30 RBIs during the run.

8/4/2006

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins went 3-for-5 with a career-high two homers, four RBIs and five runs for the Phillies in a 16-8 over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday.

Chris Coste, phi

Coste went 4-for-5 with two RBIs for the Phillies in an 8-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. The catcher has gone 12-for-25 (.480) with two homers and seven RBIs in his last seven games.

7/30/2006

Chase Utley, phi

Utley doubled in the fourth inning of the Phillies' game against Florida on Sunday to extend his hitting streak to 30 games, the longest in the major leagues this season. It's the third-longest streak in team history.

7/14/2006

Mike Lieberthal, phi

The Phillies activated Lieberthal from the disabled list on Friday. Lieberthal, who needs 21 games to become the Phillies all-time leader for games caught, has been out since suffering a left hip strain against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 5.

Brett Myers, phi

Phillies pitcher Brett Myers rejoined the team Friday in San Francisco and was expected to pitch on Sunday after taking a leave of absence following his arrest on charges that he hit his wife in the face. Myers was placed on the temporary inactive list and optioned to Class-A Clearwater after he pleaded not guilty to assault charges in Boston Municipal Court. His next court date is Aug. 4.

Chris Roberson, phi

The Phillies sent outfielder Chris Roberson to Scranton Wilkes-Barre of the International League to make room for catcher Mike Lieberthal.

7/11/2006

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard won the Home Run Derby on Tuesday night, edging the Mets' David Wright in the final round. Howard, the 2005 NL rookie of the year, hit 23 homers, including 13 that went 440 feet or more. The Phillies' first baseman is hitting .278 with 28 homers and 71 RBIs this season. He will represent the National League in his first All-Star game on Tuesday.

7/10/2006

Brett Myers, phi

Myers is expected to rejoin the Phillies on Friday in San Francisco after taking a leave of absence following his arrest on charges that he hit his wife in the face. The 25-year-old right-hander was placed on the temporary inactive list and optioned to Class-A Clearwater after he pleaded not guilty to assault charges at his arraignment June 23. "He's joining the team, but when he's going to pitch, we haven't decided yet," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

7/6/2006

Jon Lieber, phi

Lieber was activated from the disabled list on Thursday by the Phillies and will start Friday night when Philadelphia plays Pittsburgh. The right-hander was placed on the DL with a groin injury more than a month ago. He is 3-5 with a 5.79 ERA in 11 starts. Scott Mathieson was optioned to Double-A Reading to make room for Lieber on the roster.

7/4/2006

Carlos Ruiz, phi

Ruiz was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday when fellow catcher Sal Fasano was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Chris Roberson, phi

Roberson was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.

7/3/2006

Tom Gordon, phi

Gordon was selected to his third All-Star team Sunday as one of the four relief pitchers on the National League roster. He is 2-3 with 21 saves and a 2.12 ERA this season.

Chase Utley, phi

Utley was selected to his first All-Star team Sunday and will start at second base for the National League. He is hitting .300 with 16 homers and 49 RBIs this season.

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard was selected to his first All-Star team Sunday and will be a reserve first baseman for the National League. He is hitting .284 with 28 homers and 69 RBIs this season.

7/1/2006

Clay Condrey, phi

The Phillies optioned Condrey to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday so they could make room on the roster for left-hander Fabio Castro.

6/29/2006

Brett Myers, phi

One day after asking for a leave of absence following his arrest on charges of hitting his wife in the face, Myers was placed on the temporary inactive list Wednesday and optioned to Class-A Clearwater. The Phillies' right-hander said he embarassed his family and the team and is taking time off so he can "concentrate on this matter and make plans for whatever assistance is appropriate." Myers is not expected to take the mound for Clearwater.

6/27/2006

Brett Myers, phi

Myers will take a leave of absence through the July 11 All-Star game, following Friday's arrest on charges that he hit his wife in the face. The Phillies' right-hander said he embarassed his family and the team and is taking time off so he can "concentrate on this matter and make plans for whatever assistance is appropriate." Myers was freed on Friday after his wife posted $200 bail and he faces an Aug. 4 court date on assault charges.

6/25/2006

Fabio Castro, phi

Castro was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Saturday when right-hander Robinson Tejeda was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma.

6/24/2006

Brett Myers, phi

Myers allowed three runs and seven hits, striking out five, but didn't figure in the decision of the Phillies' 5-3, 10-inning loss to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. The 25-year-old right-hander's start came just one day after he was arrested and charged with hitting his wife in the face on a street near Fenway Park. He was freed after his wife posted $200 bail and faces a court date of Aug. 4.

6/23/2006

Rick White, phi

White was claimed off waivers by the Phillies on Friday. The 37-year-old right-hander was 1-0 with one save and a 6.26 ERA in 26 games for the Cincinnati Reds this season before being designated for assignment Monday.

Jon Lieber, phi

Lieber allowed one run in three innings Thursday night in his first minor league rehabilitation start since being sidelined last month with a strained left groin. The 36-year-old Phillies right-hander suffered the injury while fielding a grounder on May 29 against the Washington Nationals.

Brett Myers, phi

Myers was arrested Friday and charged with hitting his wife in the face on a street not far from Fenway Park in Boston. Myers, who was scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Red Sox, pleaded not guilty to assault charges at his arraignment Friday in Boston Municipal Court.

6/22/2006

Randy Wolf, phi

Wolf gave up six runs and six hits in 3 2-3 innings in a rehab start for Double-A Reading on Wednesday night. The 29-year-old Phillies left-hander had ligament replacement surgery on his throwing elbow last July 1 and hopes to return by the middle of next month.

6/21/2006

Ryan Howard, phi

Ryan Howard had a monster night for the Phillies on Tuesday, but his groundout in the ninth inning ended a 9-7 loss the Yankees. Before that, Howard hit two mammoth home runs and a two-run triple, finishing with a career-high seven RBIs.

6/10/2006

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal returned to the 15-day disabled list on Saturday for the second time this season. The move is retroactive to June 6 when the Philadelphia Phillies catcher injured his hip against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was sidelined from May 5-29 with a bruised knee.

6/6/2006

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard hit his 20th home run of the season in the Phillies' 4-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. The first baseman hit 22 homers in 88 games in 2005 en route to the NL Rookie of the Year award. He is hitting .284 with 50 RBIs in 56 games this season.

6/5/2006

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal went 0-for-4 in the Phillies' 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. He is 1-for-16 (.063) with one RBI in five games, since returning from a contusion on his left knee suffered on May 4.

Eude Brito, phi

Brito was charged with the loss when he allowed six runs and nine hits with two walks in four innings during his first start of the season for the Phillies in an 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. The left-hander entered the rotation when Jon Lieber was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin.

6/3/2006

Randy Wolf, phi

Wolf expects to start a minor league rehabilitation assignment this week with Class-A Clearwater. The Philadelphia Phillies left-hander threw three scoreless innings in his second extended spring training start on Saturday. Wolf had elbow ligament replacement surgery last July. The Phillies hope to have him back on the team in a month. "Physically, I felt great," Wolf said..

Chase Utley, phi

Utley went 4-for-4 on Friday, tying a career high, with a home run and four runs. The Phillies second baseman is batting .327 (69-for-211) with 10 homers and 32 RBIs.

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard hit a home run on Friday to lead the Phillies to an 8-6 win over the Dodgers. The first baseman finished the day 1-for-4 with a walk and two strikeouts.

5/29/2006

Mike Lieberthal, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies activated Lieberthal from the 15-day disabled list and optioned backup catcher Carlos Ruiz to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre Monday. Lieberthal was batting .297 with no homers and seven RBIs when he was hit on his left knee by a pitch from Atlanta's John Thomson on May 4. The catcher was placed on the DL the following day with a contusion on his left knee.

5/25/2006

Cole Hamels, phi

Hamels was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday with a strain in his left shoulder. The Phillies' rookie left-hander was scratched from his third major league start when he experienced posterior shoulder symptoms while throwing during batting practice on Tuesday. Hamels returned to Philadelphia and was looked at by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti.

5/21/2006

Chris Coste, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies purchased the contract of Coste from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre of the International League to replace Alex Gonzalez on the roster after Gonzalez retired on Sunday.

5/17/2006

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal's injury, which landed him on the disabled list nearly two weeks ago, has been diagnosed as a small fracture in his left knee. The Phillies' catcher is expected to miss roughly two more weeks. He is batting .297 with seven doubles and seven RBIs in 20 games this season.

5/15/2006

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard homered twice to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 2-1 victory in 12 innings Sunday. The Phillies' first baseman didn't start the game -- after a stomach ailment led to a late-night trip to a hospital emergency room -- but he pinch-hit in the eighth and tied the game 1-1 with a homer off Cincinnati starter Brandon Claussen. He sparked the Phils to the win with a homer off Chris Hammond in the 12th.

5/12/2006

Aaron Rowand, phi

Rowand went on the 15-day disabled list Friday, a day after breaking his nose running into an outfield wall to make a spectacular catch. The Phillies' center fielder ran face-first into the fence while making an over-the-shoulder catch of a deep fly by the Mets' Xavier Nady. Rowand broke his nose and sustained fractures around his left eye.

5/10/2006

Ryan Madson, phi

Madson had been a terrific reliever for the Phillies before moving into their rotation this season. After struggling in most of his six starts, the 25-year-old right-hander is moving back to the bullpen. He was 3-1 with a 6.82 ERA as a starter.

5/6/2006

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal was put on the 15-day DL with a bruised left knee on Friday.

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard went 2-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs in Philadelphia's 8-3 win over San Francisco on Friday.

4/27/2006

Julio Santana, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies placed Santana on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a stomach ailment that forced him to miss the last two games. The right-handed reliever is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 6 and manager Charlie Manuel said Santana will travel with the team to Pittsburgh this weekend.

4/6/2006

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins' 38-game hitting streak ended in Philadelphia's 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday afternoon. The Phillies' shortstop went 0-for-4 and didn't get a last chance to hit safely in the ninth, when he would have been the fifth batter of the inning. Rollins failed to get a hit in three at-bats against Cardinals starter Jason Marquis or in his final trip to the plate against reliever Josh Hancock.

4/3/2006

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins extended his hitting streak to 37 games in Philadelphia's season opener, a 13-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. There was plenty of drama for Rollins, who waited until his final at-bat in the eighth inning to keep the streak alive. He doubled down the right-field line off Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright on a 3-0 pitch. Two innings earlier, Rollins knocked in a run with a sac fly.

4/2/2006

David Dellucci, phi

Dellucci was traded from the Texas Rangers to the Philadelphia Phillies Saturday in exchange for right-hander Robinson Tejeda and minor league outfielder Jake Blalock. Dellucci's acquisition gives Philadelphia five outfielders and completes the team's 25-man roster.

3/30/2006

Gavin Floyd, phi

Floyd, on the strength of going 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA in six appearances this spring, has been named to the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation. In his last three starts, the 23-year-old Floyd gave up two runs in 15 innings while striking out 11 and walking only two.

3/29/2006

Ricardo Rodriguez, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies released Rodriguez Wednesday, barely more than two months after they acquired him from Texas for veteran right-hander Vicente Padilla. Rodriguez couldn't win a spot in the starting rotation and isn't suited for the bullpen. He had a 4.15 ERA with seven walks in 13 innings this spring. In 2005, Rodriguez was 2-3 with a 5.53 ERA in 10 starts and two relief appearances for Texas.

3/17/2006

Tom Gordon, phi

Gordon, who has been sidelined by a stiff elbow this spring, threw a scoreless inning in a minor league game Thursday. The Phillies' closer threw 14 pitches and struck out a batter. He seems to be on course to be ready for opening day.

3/15/2006

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard hit his eighth homer of the spring Tuesday. The Phillies' first baseman leads all major leaguers in spring home runs. He's continuing his strong performance from last September, when he set the rookie record with 10 dingers for the month. He hit 22 last season, claiming National League Rookie of the Year honors while playing just 88 games.

3/14/2006

Tom Gordon, phi

Gordon, who has been limited by a stiff elbow this spring, is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Tuesday. The 38-year-old right-hander, who was signed by the Phillies this winter to close games, was 5-4 with two saves and a 2.57 ERA in 79 appearances for the Yankees last season.

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard hit his spring training-leading seventh home run Monday, helping the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2. The Phillies' second-year first baseman connected off top Tigers pitching prospect Justin Verlander in the second inning. It was the only hit allowed by Verlander in three innings, though he walked four.

1/27/2006

Arthur Rhodes, phi

The Indians reached an agreement to send Rhodes to the Phillies in exchange for outfielder Jason Michaels. According to the Associated Press, Rhodes is in Philadelphia taking a physical and the trade has not been finalized. In 47 games last season, the left-handed relief pitcher was 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 43.1 innings pitched. He missed most of the final two months for family reasons.

1/12/2006

Brett Myers, phi

Myers and the Phillies avoided arbitration on Thursday, agreeing to a $3.3 million, one-year deal. The right-hander went 13-8 with a 3.72 ERA in 34 starts this past season.

12/16/2005

Aaron Fultz, phi

Fultz and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a $1.2 million, one-year contract Friday, avoiding arbitration. The 32-year-old left-hander went 4-0 with a 2.24 ERA in 62 games for the Phillies last season. Fultz held opponents to a .186 batting average as a reliever.

12/2/2005

Tom Gordon, phi

A few days after losing Billy Wagner, the Phillies found their next closer Thursday when they agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with Tom Gordon. The reliever, who spent the last two seasons with the Yankees, passed his physical on Saturday, making the deal official.

11/30/2005

Julio Santana, phi

Santana and the Philadelphia Phillies came to terms on a one-year, $800,000 contract for 2006. The 32-year-old right-hander was 3-5 with a 4.50 ERA and a save in 41 relief appearances with Milwaukee last season.

11/29/2005

Abraham Nunez, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies and Nunez came to terms on a two-year, $3.35 million contract Tuesday. In 139 games with St. Louis in 2005, the switch-hitter batted .285 with a .343 on-base percentage and 64 runs scored.

11/28/2005

Randy Wolf, phi

Wolf, who underwent Tommy John surgery last July, began throwing and hopes to return to active duty by July 2006.

11/25/2005

Aaron Rowand, phi

Rowand was traded Friday to Philadelphia in exchange for first baseman Jim Thome. News of the trade was leaked Wednesday, but the deal wasn't official until the players passed physicals. Philadelphia also acquired minor league LHP Daniel Haigwood and a player to be named. Reportedly the Phillies gave the White Sox $22 million as part of the deal.

11/10/2005

Ugueth Urbina, phi

On Wednesday, Urbina was formally charged with attempted murder following an attack on five workers at his mother's ranch in Venezuela. The 31-year-old right-hander is accused of joining a group of men in the attack. Urbina is expected to remain in prison while he is on trial.

11/8/2005

Ugueth Urbina, phi

Urbina awaits formal attempted murder charges in a jail cell in Caracas, Venezuela. The free-agent reliever was detained on Monday, following allegations that he participated in an attack on five workers at the ranch house where his mother lives just outside Caracas. Charges may be formalized before a judge on Tuesday.

11/7/2005

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard won National League Rookie of the Year honors Monday. The Phillies' first baseman arrived in the majors for good on July 1, and he powered 17 doubles, 22 homers and 63 RBIs in just 88 games last season. The power prospect also collected 100 strikeouts in 312 at-bats. Howard, 25, claimed 19 first-place votes in the balloting.

11/5/2005

Tom Gordon, phi

The Yankees are reportedly preparing a contract offer to try to retain Gordon, who has been the Yankees' primary setup man over the past couple of seasons. Gordon, a free agent, was 5-4 with a 2.57 ERA in 79 games in 2005.

10/24/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

On Saturday, Burrell had surgery on his right foot to remove a bone spur. The Philadelphia outfielder hit .281 with 32 home runs and a career-best 117 RBI in 2005. Both he and Albert Pujols finished with 117 ribbies, and only Andruw Jones (128) recorded more in the National League. Burrell should be ready for spring training.

10/21/2005

Mike Lieberthal, phi

On Wednesday, Lieberthal had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his right knee. The Phillies' catcher didn't go under the knife for any structural damage, and he is expected to be ready for spring training. The procedure was intended to eliminate discomfort that has been an occasional problem for him in recent seasons.

10/19/2005

Abraham Nunez, phi

Nunez is expected back in the St. Louis lineup for Game 6 of the NLCS. The Cardinals' third baseman has missed the last two games after being sidelined with a bruised thigh, suffered in a collision at third base with Houston's Jason Lane in Game 3. Nunez returns after John Mabry and Hector Luna covered for him the last two games.

10/15/2005

Abraham Nunez, phi

Nunez left in the sixth inning of Saturday's LCS Game 3 between St. Louis and Houston with an apparent leg injury after a collision on the basepaths. Nunez, playing third base, appeared to be tripped by Houston baserunner Jason Lane, when Lane's left knee banged into Nunez' leg. Hector Luna replaced Nunez at third base for the Cardinals.

10/2/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

In potentially the final game of the regular season, Rollins extended his franchise-record hitting streak to 36 games when singled in the fourth inning against the Nationals on Sunday. If the Phillies tie the Astros for the wild card, Rollins will get one more chance to extend his hitting streak in the regular season on Monday.

10/1/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins extended his franchise-record hitting streak to 35 games when he doubled off John Patterson in the first inning of Saturday's game between the Phillies and Washington Nationals.

9/30/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Jimmy Rollins has extended his hitting streak to 34 games with a single to lead off the third inning during Friday night's game against Washington. Rollins is batting .387 (58-for-150) throughout his streak.

9/29/2005

David Dellucci, phi

Dellucci still hasn't played since September 20 because of a strained calf muscle. The return of the Rangers' outfielder has been anticipated on a daily basis, and he still hopes to play before the season ends.

Jimmy Rollins, phi

The streak has reached 33 games, as Rollins opened Philadelphia's 16-6 win over the New York Mets Wednesday with a single. He came around to score the game's first run, and the Phillies' shortstop scored three times by going 1-for-3 with three walks. He's a .378 hitter during his streak, with 17 doubles, 20 RBI, 13 steals and 31 runs scored.

9/28/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

For the first time in seven games, Rollins had just one hit on Tuesday night, but it was enough to give the Philadelphia shortstop the longest hitting streak in Phillies history. He has hit in 32 straight games since August 23, surpassing the 31-game mark established by Hall of Famer Ed Delahanty in 1899.

9/27/2005

David Dellucci, phi

Dellucci still hasn't returned from a strained calf muscle that he suffered a week ago. The earliest he might return to the Texas lineup is Tuesday. The Rangers' outfielder remains day-to-day.

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins tied the Phillies' franchise record for longest hitting streak on Monday, collecting a double and home run against the New York Mets to extend his run to 31 games. The Philadelphia shortstop also has a streak of six multihit games in a row, and he's a .386 hitter with 17 doubles, 20 RBI, 13 steals and 28 runs scored during his hitting streak. Rollins tied the franchise mark set by Hall of Famer Ed Delahanty in 1899.

9/26/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

With a homer off Cincinnati lefthander Randy Kiesler to open Sunday's contest, Rollins collected the first of three hits on the day and extended his hitting streak to 30 games. His streak is one game shy of the Phillies' all-time longest run, a 31-gamer by Hall of Fame first baseman Ed Delahanty in 1899. Rollins is a .382 hitter during his streak, collecting 16 doubles, stealing 13 bases and scoring 27 runs.

9/24/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

With a single in the third inning of Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, Rollins extended his hitting streak to 29 games, tying Johnny Damon for the longest hitting streak in the majors this season. Rollins has the longest hitting streak by a Phillies player since Ed Delahanty hit in 31 straight games back in 1899.

9/23/2005

Jon Lieber, phi

Lieber silenced the Atlanta Braves' bats on Thursday, surrendering just five hits over eight shutout innings. The Phillies' righthander, who struck out seven and walked none, has won his last four decisions and should have nabbed a fifth, if it weren't for a lack of run support.

Julio Santana, phi

After missing more than six weeks with a shoulder problem, Santana has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Milwaukee Brewers. The 32-year-old righthander has made 38 relief appearances this season, going 3-5 with a 4.46 ERA and one save.

9/22/2005

David Dellucci, phi

Dellucci didn't play in Texas' 6-5 loss to the Angels on Wednesday because of a strained calf muscle. The Rangers' outfielder may not return until the weekend. The leadoff man is hitting .251 with a .368 on-base percentage, 28 home runs and 95 runs scored in 124 games.

Jimmy Rollins, phi

With a single in the first inning of Philadelphia's afternoon contest against Atlanta, Rollins has set a new modern-day franchise record by hitting safely in 27 straight games. The Phillies' shortstop has surpassed the pair of 26-game streaks generated by Chuck Klein in 1930.

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard stroked a 10th-inning grand slam to power Philadelphia to a 10-6 win over Atlanta. It was the 19th homer of the season for the rookie first baseman, who also has 15 doubles and 54 RBI in just 78 games.

9/21/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins singled home Philadelphia's only run in the ninth inning on Tuesday. Collecting one of the Phillies' three hits in a 4-1 loss to Atlanta, the Phils' shortstop extended his hitting streak to 25 games. In his 25-game run, which dates back to August 23, Rollins is 40-for-111 (.360) with 12 doubles, 15 RBI, 22 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.

9/19/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins went 1-for-4 and needed a seventh-inning triple to extend his hitting streak to 24 games on Sunday. Sunday's game marked the first time since Tuesday that the Phillies' shortstop didn't have a multihit game. Since Wednesday, Rollins has gone 12-for-24 (.500) with three doubles, a triple, a homer, seven RBI, three stolen bases and nine runs scored in five games.

9/17/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

By going 2-for-5 in Saturday's wild 10-2 come-from-behind Philadelphia win over the Florida Marlins on SSaturday, Rollins extended his hitting streak to 23 games. That is the longest streak by any National League player this season, and it's just three games shy of tying the franchise modern-day record of 26 games, set by Chuck Klein.

9/16/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

With his fifth three-hit game in his last eight contests, Rollins extended his hitting streak to 21 games on Thursday. The Phillies' shortstop collected a pair of doubles in Philadelphia's 6-4 loss to Atlanta, giving him six two-baggers in his last five contests. During his 21-game streak, Rollins is hitting .355 (33-for-93) with 11 doubles, two triples, eight RBI, 10 stolen bases and 15 runs scored.

9/15/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

With a pair of doubles and a single in Philadelphia's 12-4 win over Atlanta, Rollins has a 20-game hitting streak in which he's batted .341 (30-for-88). He's collected 11 doubles, stolen eight bases and scored 15 runs in his 20-game surge.

9/13/2005

Arthur Rhodes, phi

Indians relief pitcher Arthur Rhodes has left the club temporarily due to an illness in his family. The absence will cause Rhodes to miss the remainder of the season. Through 47 games this season, Rhodes was 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA in 43.1 innings pitched.

Eude Brito, phi

Brito picked up his first career win on Monday against the Braves, working six shutout innings for Philadelphia and giving up only three hits while striking out seven. It was the lefthander's third career start, all coming this season, and should solidify his spot in the Phillies' rotation through the remainder of the season.

9/3/2005

Gavin Floyd, phi

Floyd, who was recalled from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre on Friday, will be the starting pitcher for the Phillies on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. He replaces Robinson Tejeda, who is battling a sore pitching arm.

9/2/2005

Arthur Rhodes, phi

The Cleveland Indians activated Rhodes from the disabled list Friday, a little more than two weeks after he was sidelined by swelling and discomfort in his right knee. The Indians' reliever is 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA in 44 relief appearances in 2005.

8/24/2005

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard had a career-high four hits in Tuesday's game against the Giants. He finished the night 4-for-5 with a home run, double and 3 RBIs to propel the Phillies to a 10-2 victory.

8/21/2005

Brett Myers, phi

Myers went the distance in Saturday's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, notching his second complete game of the season and fifth of his major league career. The Phillies' righthander surrendered just one run on six hits, struck out five and walked two.

Aquilino Lopez, phi

Lopez has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre by the Philadelphia Phillies, replacing Geoff Geary on the roster and in the bullpen. The righthander, who was claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies earlier this month, has spent the majority of the season in the minor leagues.

Geoff Geary, phi

After giving up four runs in his most recent outing, Geary has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre by the Philadelphia Phillies. The righthander has made 28 relief appearances this season, going 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA.

8/18/2005

Eude Brito, phi

Brito has not appeared in a game with the Phillies since being recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre nearly two weeks ago. However, according to manager Charlie Manuel, the rookie lefthander could make his major league debut on Sunday, getting the starting nod against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

8/14/2005

Julio Santana, phi

Santana was placed on the Brewers' 15-day disabled list. In 38 appearances this year, he posted a 3-5, 4.46 record, with one save in four opportunities.

8/13/2005

Arthur Rhodes, phi

The Cleveland Indians placed Rhodes on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, retroactive to August 12. The reliever, who was just removed from the bereavement list, went on the DL after having pain and swelling in his right knee following a bullpen session on Friday. To take his roster spot, Cleveland has recalled Jeremy Guthrie from Triple-A Buffalo.

8/12/2005

Arthur Rhodes, phi

Rhodes was reinstated from the bereavement list by the Cleveland Indians on Friday, and the move was made before the Indians host Tampa Bay in the opener of a weekend series. The 35-year-old lefthander is 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA in 44 relief appearances for Cleveland this season.

8/11/2005

Ryan Howard, phi

With the bases loaded, Howard belted a game-winning home run off closer Yhency Brazoban in the ninth inning of Wednesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading the Phillies to a 9-5 victory. The grand slam was the first of the rookie first baseman's major league career.

8/9/2005

Arthur Rhodes, phi

Home with an illness in the family, Rhodes is on bereavement leave from the Cleveland Indians, and he is expected to miss the entire series against Kansas City this week. His leave lasts until Saturday, August 13. The Indians recalled righthander Fernando Cabrera to take Rhodes' roster spot.

Ricardo Rodriguez, phi

The Texas Rangers placed Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised right shoulder on Tuesday. The 27-year-old righthander was hit on the meaty part of the shoulder Monday night, when Tony Graffanino sent a hard groundball back through the middle.

8/3/2005

Alex Gonzalez, phi

Look for Gonzalez to get more playing time this week -- at his natural position, shortstop -- as Julio Lugo is nursing a sore left knee.

8/2/2005

Aquilino Lopez, phi

After being placed on waivers by the Colorado Rockies, pitcher Aquilino Lopez was claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, just four days after the Phils faced the righthander. In 14 games for Triple-A Colorado Springs, Lopez was 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA.

7/29/2005

Chase Utley, phi

Utley drove in five runs with two doubles and a homer in the Phillies' 8-5 win at Colorado Thursday. He is now hitting .318 for the season, with 15 dingers and 59 RBI.

Aquilino Lopez, phi

The Rockies purchased the contract of Lopez from Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he compiled a 2.75 ERA in 14 relief appearances. He struck out 25 while walking only four in 19.1 innings, and held opposing hitters to a .194 average.

7/25/2005

Clay Condrey, phi

Condrey has been optioned back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre by the Philadelphia Phillies after not appearing in a game during his brief stint with the major league club. The righthander, who was recalled last week, will be replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by Geoff Geary.

Geoff Geary, phi

Geary has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Philadelphia Phillies, replacing the demoted Clay Condrey on the roster. The righthander missed a couple of weeks after bruising his right eye when he fouled off a pitch in a game against the Washington Nationals on July 8.

7/23/2005

Justin Germano, phi

Germano was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, along with fellow minor league pitcher Travis Chick on Saturday, in exchange for Joe Randa.

7/21/2005

Jon Lieber, phi

Lieber pitched well, but came up on the short end of the stick in Thursday's 1-0 decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Phillies' veteran righthander went eight strong innings, allowing just the one run on five hits, striking out seven and walking one. He threw 98 pitches on the day, 65 for strikes.

Clay Condrey, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies have purchased Condrey's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, filling the roster spot of demoted infielder Danny Sandoval. The righthander, who has not pitched in the major leagues since 2003, was 5-5 with a 3.80 ERA in 15 starts with the minor league club this season.

Danny Sandoval, phi

Sandoval has been optioned back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after appearing in just three games with the Phillies. The infielder, who went 0-for-2 with a run scored in his first action in the major leagues, will be replaced on the roster by righthander Clay Condrey.

7/16/2005

Alex Gonzalez, phi

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays activated Gonzalez from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. The infielder, who had lost his starting job at third base before injuring his neck in late June, is hitting .262 with 4 home runs and 17 RBI this season.

Alex Gonzalez, phi

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays activated Gonzalez from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. The infielder, who had lost his starting job at third base before injuring his neck in late June, is hitting .262 with four home runs and 17 RBI in 50 games this season.

7/15/2005

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal notched the 10th multihomer game of his major league career, going deep twice in Thursday's victory over the Florida Marlins. The Phillies' catcher also added a single and finished the contest with three RBI.

Pat Burrell, phi

Burrell matched his career high by driving in five runs in Thursday's victory over the Florida Marlins, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and a walk. The Phillies' outfielder now has 11 multihomer games in his major league career.

7/9/2005

Tom Gordon, phi

Friday's MRI on Gordon's stiff pitching shoulder revealed nothing more than some mild tendinits. The reliever should be available to pitch on Saturday if needed.

Geoff Geary, phi

Geary will miss the remainder of this weekend's series with the Washington Nationals after the reliever was struck in the right eye by the ball while batting Friday night. "My eyeball was in shock," Gearysaid. "My doctor stressed I don't want to get hit in the eyeagain."

7/8/2005

Tom Gordon, phi

Due to some stiffness in his pitching shoulder, Gordon was removed from Thursday's victory over the Cleveland Indians after facing just three batters. As a precautionary measure, the Yankees' veteran reliever will undergo an MRI on Friday, just to rule out any structural damage. He has been listed as day-to-day.

Jimmy Rollins, phi

A sore hand has kept Rollins out of the Phillies' starting lineup the last two games and currently has him listed as day-to-day. The shortstop, who was used as a pinch-runner in Thursday's meeting with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hopes to be available for all three games of the team's weekend series against the Washington Nationals.

7/7/2005

David Dellucci, phi

Dellucci hit a solo home run to right center in the third inning of Wednesday's loss to the Boston Red Sox before adding a two-run shot in the seventh, notching the fourth multihomer game of his major league career. With 17 homers this season, the Rangers' designated hitter/outfielder already has matched his career high. Over his last seven games, Dellucci is 10-for-28 (.357) with five home runs, seven RBI, seven walks and 11 runs scored.

7/6/2005

Jon Lieber, phi

X-ray's on Lieber's right elbow revealed no broken bones, and there is a chance he will be ready for his next start. The Phillies' righthander, who was forced to leave after taking a liner off his arm in the first inning of Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, had some swelling around the elbow after the contest, but no major pain. He was replaced on the mound by reliever Geoff Geary.

Jon Lieber, phi

X-rays on Lieber's right elbow revealed no broken bones, and there is a chance he will be ready for his next start. The Phillies' righthander, who was forced to leave after taking a liner off his arm in the first inning of Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, had some swelling around the elbow after the contest, but no major pain. He was replaced on the mound by reliever Geoff Geary.

7/5/2005

Jon Lieber, phi

Lieber left Tuesday night's game in the first inning after being struck in the right leg by a line drive off the bat of Pirates' infielder Jose Castillo. The line drive sailed off his leg right into the glove of third baseman David Bell who tagged out Jason Bay running from second on the play to end the inning. Lieber did not return to pitch the second inning.

7/4/2005

Amaury Telemaco, phi

For the second time in less than a month, Telemaco has been designated for assignment by the Philadelphia Phillies. The righthander, who will be replaced in the bullpen by veteran Tim Worrell, is 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA in seven relief appearances with Philly this season, but surrendered four earned runs on three hits -- including two home runs -- over his last four innings of work.

7/3/2005

Alex Gonzalez, phi

Prior to their series finale against Minnesota on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list for a strained neck. The move is retroactive to June 26. Gonzalez, who has been displaced as the Rays' starting third baseman by Jorge Cantu, is batting .262 with four home runs and 17 RBI this season.

7/1/2005

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre by the Philadelphia Phillies, filling the roster spot of fellow first baseman Jim Thome, who will miss at least two weeks with tendinitis in his right elbow. In 12 games with the Phillies earlier this season, Howard went 6-for-28 (.214) with two doubles, one home run and six strikeouts.

6/23/2005

Randy Wolf, phi

After getting opinions from three different doctors, Wolf has decided to undergo Tommy John surgery to repair the ligament damage in his ailing pitching elbow, a procedure that will sideline him for the next year. The Phillies' lefthander, who has been sidelined since June 11, is scheduled to go under the knife on July 1. Rookie Robinson Tejeda will remain in the Phillies' starting rotation in Wolf's stead.

6/22/2005

Brett Myers, phi

Myers had his roughest outing of the 2005 campaign in Tuesday's loss to the New York Mets, allowing six runs on 10 hits in just 3.1 innings of work. The Phillies' righthander, who has allowed three or fewer runs in 12 of his 15 starts this season, struck out four and walked one.

6/17/2005

Jimmy Rollins, phi

Rollins recorded five hits in six at-bats Thursday night, and he scored the winning run in the 13th inning of Philadelphia's 3-2 victory over Seattle. A sacrifice fly off the bat of Tomas Perez brought home Rollins, who scored twice in the game for the Phillies.

6/14/2005

Amaury Telemaco, phi

Telemaco was designated for assignment last week, but the Philadelphia Phillies have picked up his major league contract again after starting pitcher Randy Wolf went on the 15-day disabled list with elbow discomfort. Telemaco will work out of the Phillies' bullpen while Robinson Tejeda will start in place of Wolf on Friday.

Randy Wolf, phi

An MRI exam on Tuesday revealed ligament damage in Wolf's left elbow, and the Phillies' southpaw may be a candidate for Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old hurler will seek a second opinion when he visits Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama, and Dr. Lewis Yocum in California later this week.

6/13/2005

Tom Gordon, phi

Taking a comebacker off his right index finger won't keep Gordon on the sidelines. Despite coming out of Saturday's game following the injury, the Yankees' setup man was back on the mound Sunday, working a 1-2-3 eighth inning in New York's 5-3 loss to St. Louis.

Jimmy Rollins, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies and Rollins have come to terms on a five-year, $40 million contract extension. The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus. Philadelphia holds a club option for 2011 at $8.5 million with a $2 million buyout. If the Phillies exercise the option, the total value of the contract would increase to $47.5 million.

6/12/2005

Tom Gordon, phi

Gordon was forced to leave Saturday's win over the Cardinals when he injured his right index finger while trying to protect himself from a David Eckstein comebacker in the eighth inning. The Yankees' trainer immediately removed Gordon from the game, and the finger was placed in a splint. Despite some swelling, the righthanded reliever expressed optimism that the injury was not severe enough for him to miss any time.

Ricardo Rodriguez, phi

The Rangers called up Rodriguez from Triple-A Oklahoma on Sunday and tabbed him to start Sunday's series finale against the Marlins. The righthander was 7-3 with a 2.95 ERA in 11 starts for the Oklahoma club this season. He missed a large chunk of the 2004 campaign after undergoing an appendectomy and later suffering a fractured right elbow when he was struck by a line drive.

6/8/2005

Ugueth Urbina, phi

The Detroit Tigers have traded Urbina and infielder Ramon Martinez to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for utilityman Placido Polanco. With Troy Percival back from injury, the Tigers were willing to deal the veteran reliever, who handled the closer duties in Percival's absence. Urbina has appeared in 25 games this season, going 1-3 with a 2.63 ERA and nine saves. He has 31 strikeouts and 14 walks in 27.1 innings of work.

Chase Utley, phi

Utley had been splitting time at second base with Placido Polanco this season, but he will take over the everyday duties going forward, as the Phillies dealt Polanco to the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Utley was expected to claim the job eventually, but due to Polanco's solid play this season, the team chose to platoon the two infielders. In 45 games this season, Utley is batting .315 with nine home runs, 29 RBI and five stolen bases.

6/7/2005

Ugueth Urbina, phi

Whether the Tigers' closer or setup man, Urbina has been effective. The 31-year-old righthander hasn't allowed a run since May 11, assembling a scoreless streak of nine games and innings. Over that stretch, he is 1-0 with six saves in six chances, allowing three hits and six walks while fanning 12.

6/6/2005

David Dellucci, phi

As the Rangers' primary designated hitter, Dellucci may be squeezed for playing time this week, with Texas playing interleague series in Philadelphia and Florida. Dellucci is batting .268 with nine home runs and 21 RBI this season. Also serving as the Rangers' leadoff hitter for most of the year, he has scored 39 runs in 47 games.

6/5/2005

Ugueth Urbina, phi

With Percival back in the Tigers' bullpen, Urbina will return to his role as a setup man. The veteran righthander handled the closer job while Percival was sidelined with an elbow injury, picking up eight saves in eight chances.

6/2/2005

Chase Utley, phi

Pinch-hitting in the eighth inning of Wednesday's matchup with the San Francisco Giants, Utley belted a LaTroy Hawkins' pitch over the right-field fence to notch the second grand slam of his major league career. The Phillies' infielder is now batting .307 with nine home runs, 25 RBI and five stolen bases in 39 games this season.

6/1/2005

Randy Wolf, phi

After losing four of his first six starts this season, Wolf appears to be getting back on track. The Phillies' lefthander allowed just six hits over 6.2 shutout innings in Tuesday's victory over the San Francisco Giants to win his fourth consecutive decision. Over that span, he has improved his season ERA from 6.00 to 4.57.

5/26/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

As anticipated, Burrell returned to the Phillies' lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Florida Marlins after sitting out the previous day with a jammed left wrist. The outfielder went 1-for-3 with two RBI and two strikeouts, but aggravated the injury on a swing late in the contest and was forced to leave. He missed more than a month last season with an injury to the same wrist, but said his most recent ailment is not related.

5/25/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

In hopes of avoiding a lingering injury, Burrell was absent from the Phillies' lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Florida Marlins. The outfielder has been trying to play through some minor pain since jamming his left wrist on a slide during Saturday's action. He plans to return to return to regular duties on Wednesday.

Pat Burrell, phi

In hopes of avoiding a lingering injury, Burrell was absent from the Phillies' lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Florida Marlins. The outfielder has been trying to play through some minor pain since jamming his left wrist on a slide during Saturday's action. He plans to return to regular duties on Wednesday.

Brett Myers, phi

Although the Phillies' bullpen blew the lead in the late innings of Tuesday's loss to the Florida Marlins, Myers turned in another solid performance that should have earned him a win. The righthander, who has been the team's most consistent pitcher all season, allowed just two hits over seven shutout innings, striking out three and walking three.

5/24/2005

Amaury Telemaco, phi

The Philadelphia Phillies have purchased Telemaco's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, filling the roster spot of veteran reliever Terry Adams. In nine appearances with the minor league club this season, including three starts the righthander was 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA.

5/22/2005

Ryan Howard, phi

On Saturday, Howard was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room on the Phillies' roster for the return of first baseman Jim Thome. Howard, who is blocked from a regular job with the Phillies by Thome, batted .214 (6-for-28) with two doubles, a homer and an RBI in 12 games while Thome was sidelined with a back ailment.

5/20/2005

Abraham Nunez, phi

John Mabry has been bothered by a stiff back, and Nunez got the start at third base on Thursday against Philadelphia. Nunez could be in the starting lineup again Friday, when the Cardinals are in Kansas City for their first interleague game.

5/19/2005

Jon Lieber, phi

According to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, Lieber has been having trouble with his command and location recently, resulting in a pair of poor outings. The veteran righthander, who won his first four starts of the 2005 campaign, has allowed 13 runs -- 12 earned -- over 9.1 innings in his last two games combined. For the season, Lieber is 5-3 with a 4.01 ERA in nine starts.

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard was slated to get another start at first base in the absence of Jim Thome, but was a late scratch from the Phillies' lineup on Wednesday, due to soreness in his left hamstring. The injury is considered minor, and the 25-year-old has been listed as day-to-day. In 12 games this season, Howard is batting .214 with two doubles and a homer.

5/18/2005

Mike Lieberthal, phi

In Tuesday's win over the St. Louis Cardinals, Lieberthal notched the 1,000th hit of his major league career and also reached the number of at-bats needed to kick in the $7.5 million option on his contract for the 2006 campaign. The Phillies' catcher was seeing his first action since bruising a finger on his right hand in last Thursday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds.

For the year, Lieberthal is batting .242 with three home runs and seven RBI in 30 games.

5/17/2005

Mike Lieberthal, phi

After missing three games when he took a pitch off his right hand last Thursday, Lieberthal was back in the Phillies starting lineup on Tuesday.

Lieberthal has played in 29 games this season, batting .232 with three home runs and seven RBI.

5/16/2005

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal has missed the Phillies' last three games after taking a pitch off his right hand in Thursday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds. However, the catcher's bruised finger has shown improvement over the past couple of days, and he should be back in the lineup on Tuesday, according to manager Charlie Manuel. Todd Pratt has been starting in his absence.

Lieberthal continues to be listed as day-to-day. In 29 games this season, he is batting .232 with three home runs and seven RBI.

5/13/2005

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal was forced to leave Thursday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds after taking a pitch off his right hand in the eight inning. Precautionary X-rays were negative, and the Phillies' catcher has been diagnosed with a bruised ring finger. Todd Pratt took over behind the plate and will get the starting nod if Lieberthal is forced to miss any time.

Lieberthal has been listed as day-to-day and will be re-evaluated on Friday. In 29 games this season, he is batting .232 with three home runs and seven RBI.

5/11/2005

Mike Lieberthal, phi

Lieberthal notched the ninth multihomer game of his major league career, going deep twice in Tuesday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Phillies' veteran catcher connected for solo shots in the fifth and sixth innings and finished the night 2-for-3 with a walk.

Lieberthal has eight multihit games this season, but also has gone hitless in 14 contests. For the year, he is batting .234 with three home runs and seven RBI in 28 games.

5/9/2005

Alex Gonzalez, phi

After getting off to an 11-for-29 start (.379) as Tampa Bay's starting third baseman, Gonzalez is in a 6-for-37 slump (.162). Prospect Jorge Cantu moved from second base to start at third on both Saturday and Sunday against Minnesota, possibly marking the beginning of the end for Gonzalez as a big league starter.

At least with Tampa Bay, that is. With his career-long struggles against righthanded pitching, however, Gonzalez may never get another major league starting job. His days as a part-time player could be underway if Cantu shows he can make the move to third base.

Ugueth Urbina, phi

After struggling mightily in the early weeks of the season, Urbina now is the Detroit Tigers' closer after Troy Percival was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with an arm injury. Despite allowing runs in five of his first six appearances of 2005, and absorbing three losses, Urbina has posted a 4.11 ERA for the season.

In his seven appearances since getting roughed up early on, Urbina has allowed just one run and fanned 11 in 9.1 innings. The Tigers have won six of seven of those games. He has been a better ninth-inning option than Percival of late.

5/5/2005

Chase Utley, phi

If Utley can continue his hot hitting, he should be in the Phillies' lineup on a more consistent basis going forward. The infielder, who has been splitting time at second base with Placido Polanco, is 6-for-14 with two doubles, two home runs, two RBI and three walks over his last four games.

Utley has done nothing to hurt his cause this season, batting .322 with four home runs, 10 RBI and a stolen base.

5/3/2005

Alex Gonzalez, phi

After opening the season 11-for-29 (.379) as Tampa Bay's starting third baseman, Gonzalez has gone 5-for-33 (.152) over his last 10 games. While coming back to earth, the veteran infielder has a home run as his only extra-base hit. He has struck out nine times over those 10 games.

Prospect Jorge Cantu took groundballs at third base before Tampa Bay's loss to the Yankees on Monday. Reportedly the Rays are considering moving Cantu to third and using Nick Green at second. Both young players are hitting for decent average and showing some pop. Gonzalez has seen his average dip to .258 and his OBP fall to .313. Those are closer to his career numbers of .242 and .302.

Ryan Howard, phi

Howard, one of the top hitting prospects in the Philadelphia system, gets a chance to emerge from Jim Thome's shadow. The slugging first-base prospect was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tuesday after Thome was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a back injury. Howard was hitting .316 with eight doubles, four home runs and 14 RBI in 23 Triple-A contests.

Howard established himself as a big-time power threat with a .291-46-131 season between Double-A Reading and Scranton/WB last summer. All that power came with a boat load of strikeouts, but he should get a chance to show his stuff with the Phillies while Thome is out.

4/30/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

After missing the previous three games with a groin injury, Burrell returned to the Philadelphia lineup on Friday.

4/28/2005

Brett Myers, phi

Myers pitched well enough to warrant a win, but he did not figure into the decision in Wednesday's matchup with the Washington Nationals, leaving after seven strong innings of work. The Phillies' righthander scattered four hits and did not allow a run, striking out seven and walking three. In five starts this season, he is just 1-1 despite an impressive 1.35 ERA.

Myers has fanned 34 batters in 33.1 innings and has been the Phillies' most consistent pitcher this season. If he can get some run support, expect him to start piling up some victories.

4/27/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

Although Burrell's strained groin continues to show improvement, the Phillies are not going to take any chances with further aggravation and plan to hold the outfielder out of the lineup until at least Friday. Burrell, who suffered the injury in the fourth inning of Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves, had indicated that he might return as early as Tuesday.

Jason Michaels has been starting in left field and will remain in the lineup until Burrell is able to return. In 19 games this season, Burrell is batting .304 with five home runs and 20 RBI, but he has just four hits in his last 28 at-bats and has seen his average slip more than 100 points.

4/26/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

On Monday, Burrell reported that his strained right groin has improved significantly, and there is a chance that he could be back in the Phillies' starting lineup as early as Tuesday. The outfielder, who suffered the injury in the fourth inning of Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves, will be re-evaluated prior to Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals to determine his availability. He continues to be listed as day-to-day.

Jason Michaels got the starting nod on Monday and will remain in the lineup until Burrell is able to return. In 19 games this season, Burrell is batting .304 with five home runs and 20 RBI, but he has just four hits in his last 28 at-bats and has seen his average slip more than 100 points.

4/25/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

Although a trip to the disabled list should not be needed, Burrell likely will miss at least a couple of days with a strained right groin, according to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. The outfielder suffered the injury in the fourth inning of Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves and was replaced in the lineup by Jason Michaels.

Burrell definitely will be out on Monday, Manuel said, and he'll be evaluated on a daily basis beyond that. In 19 games this season, Burrell is batting .304 with five home runs and 20 RBI, but he has just four hits in his last 28 at-bats and has seen his average slip more than 100 points.

4/24/2005

Geoff Geary, phi

Geary was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to replace Gavin Floyd in the Philadelphia bullpen. Geary made 33 relief appearances for the Phils in 2004, posting a 5.33 ERA over 44.2 innings.

Gavin Floyd, phi

After surrendering 21 runs in his last three appearances, covering seven innings, Floyd was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

This is no real surprise. With Vicente Padilla back in the Phillies' rotation, the club wants Floyd to get a regular turn in the minors as he refines his estimable talents. He leaves the Phils with a 14.14 ERA over 14 innings accrued in two starts and two relief appearances.

4/21/2005

Jon Lieber, phi

With another solid outing in Thursday's victory over the Colorado Rockies, Lieber notched his fourth win in as many starts to begin the season -- the first time he's accomplished the feat in his major league career. The veteran righthander allowed three runs on nine hits, struck out one and did not walk a batter. He has pitched eight innings in each of his last three starts.

Lieber, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Phillies during the offseason, is a perfect 4-0 with a 2.73 ERA.

4/18/2005

Ugueth Urbina, phi

Urbina, who had struggled in all six of his appearances prior to Sunday, struck out all four batters he faced in Detroit's 6-1 win over Kansas City on Sunday. The 31-year-old reliever recorded the final out of the eighth inning and mowed down the Royals in the ninth. An encouraging sign for Urbina, who is 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in 2005.

Brett Myers, phi

Myers matched Atlanta's Mike Hampton pitch-for-pitch through eight shutout innings, but did not figure into the decision in Sunday's 2-1 extra-inning victory over the Braves. The Phillies' righthander allowed just four hits and struck out five in his third straight solid outing. He's given up just one earned run and fanned 20 batters in 20.1 innings of work so far this season.

In 32 appearances in 2004, Myers went 11-11 with a 5.52 ERA, striking out 116 batters and walking 62 in 176 innings. He also allowed 31 home runs over that span.

4/17/2005

Gavin Floyd, phi

Floyd was expected to land at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre when Vicente Padilla returns from the disabled list on April 20. Now the Phillies are talking about keeping their prized pitching prospect with the big league club and using him out of the bullpen.

Floyd has made only four relief appearances as a minor leaguer, and that was at high Class-A Clearwater in 2003. He also worked two long stints in relief for the Phillies last September, which were solid except for high walk totals. He's had a very good start and a poor one subbing for Padilla, and sticking around in the pen will allow him to adjust to the majors more slowly.

4/14/2005

Abraham Nunez, phi

According to Cardinals trainer Barry Weinberg, Nunez will undergo a bone scan on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury he suffered when Ryan Freel slid into him in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The team is afraid the infielder might have a broken rib.

For now, consider Nunez as day-to-day. He has seen limited action so far this season, going 1-for-7 with a home run and two RBI.

4/12/2005

Brett Myers, phi

Although he was only in the game for 5.2 innings, Myers was solid during his time on the mound, holding the Flordia Marlins to just one unearned run on three hits and a walk in Tuesday's 4-1 victory. Through two starts this season, the Phillies' righthander has posted a 0.73 ERA and struck out 15 batters in 12.1 innings of work.

Myers had already thrown 104 pitches when he was removed from Tuesday's contest. In 32 appearances in 2004, he went 11-11 with a 5.52 ERA, striking out 116 batters and walking 62 in 176 innings. Myers also allowed 31 home runs over that span.

4/11/2005

Pat Burrell, phi

Considering how fast Burrell has burst out of the gates to start the 2005 campaign, he obviously is not bothered by the wrist injury that limited him late last season. Through six games, the Phillies' outfielder is batting .480 with three doubles, three home runs and a major league-leading 15 RBI.

Burrell tore a tendon in his left wrist last year and decided to rehab rather than undergo surgery. In 127 games in 2004, he batted .257 with 24 homers and 84 RBI.

4/6/2005

Abraham Nunez, phi

The St. Louis Cardinals have purchased Nunez' contract from Triple-A Memphis, filling the roster spot of outfielder -- and former pitcher -- Rick Ankiel, who was placed on waivers on Tuesday. Nunez, who signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals in December, spent the 2004 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, batting .236 with two home runs and 13 RBI in 112 games.

Nunez will serve as a backup infielder with St. Louis, and most of his playing time should come at second base and shortstop.

4/4/2005

Chase Utley, phi

Utley batted .329 with five home runs, nine RBI and a stolen base in 24 exhibition games this spring, but it wasn't enough to earn him the Opening Day nod. Phillies manager has announced that veteran Placido Polanco will get the start at second in Monday's meeting with the Washington Nationals.

Even though Polanco will man the position on Monday, Manuel indicated that the two players will split time at second fairly evenly this season. Utley appeared in 94 games with Philadelphia in 2004, batting .266 with 13 home runs, 57 RBI and four stolen bases in 267 at-bats.