The Philadelphia Phillies both dodged a bullet and suffered another crippling wound all in one afternoon. A team already missing its share of stars will be without ace pitcher Roy Halladay for six-to-eight weeks with a strained right shoulder. That announcement was made on Tuesday before Philadelphia’s game at the New York Mets. The news could have been so much worse after Halladay left Sunday’s start against St. Louis after just two innings. The protestations that he was healthy even after the Nationals hit him around earlier in the week finally ran into reality. Halladay might not return until after the All-Star break.
The Phillies are already without star second baseman Chase Utley (knee) and slugging first baseman Ryan Howard (Achilles tendon). Both are inching toward a minor league rehabilitation assignment, but no timetable has been set yet. Plus, there’s no guarantee either will be ready to play at their expected level right out of the gate. A difficult season gets tougher for the reigning five-time National League East champions.
– Brian McNally
