Posted by Danielle Wilson
Starting pitcher Roy Oswalt has been activated from the disabled list, reports Ryan Lawrence of the Delaware County Times. To make room on the 25-man roster, starter/relief pitcher Vance Worley has been sent back down to triple-A Lehigh Valley. Oswalt is scheduled to start tomorrow in St. Louis, and is expected to throw between 75 and 80 pitches, but in terms of health, everything is fine.
If you're wondering why Scott Mathieson wasn't sent down, it's because he is not a starting pitcher, and we need him in the bullpen until Jose Contreras returns from the disabled list. It was a smart move to send Worley down because he is a starter, and needs to be stretched out in case of a starter being sent to the disabled list. This is for the absolute best, I would rather see a healthy, prepared Worley than one who is coming off of a relief outing.
Next step: Chase Utley's return. He told reporters last week that he could be back by the next homestand, which just so happens to be this coming Wednesday.
As for tonight's lineup, it's looking a little odd; Jimmy Rollins SS, Wilson Valdez 3B, Raul Ibanez LF, Ryan Howard 1B, John Mayberry Jr. CF, Ben Francisco RF, Pete Orr 2B, Carlos Ruiz C, Cliff Lee starting.
Placido Polanco has been taken out of tonight's lineup for an "off day", reports CSN's Jim Salisbury, to rest his back which felt stiff yesterday, making him struggle with his swing. Don't panic, it's not an injury.
