The Phillies starting pitching has been brutal to watch in recent days. Yet, it could even be worse if the Phillies lose any pitcher to injury as the team has no real clear-cut options just yet. Chad Billingsley probably needs a few more starts in the minors and the team has been without starter Jonathan Pettibone for some time. But, Pettibone is on the mend.
According to Jim Peyton of Phuture Phillies:
Pettibone pitching in today's XST game. Please don't rain. More in tonight's report.
— jim peyton (@jimpeyton19) April 17, 2015
Pettibone has not pitched for the Phillies since a year ago tomorrow, April 18, 2014, when he was optioned to AAA Lehigh Valley.
Pettibone made five starts with the IronPigs in 2014 before being shut down. Pettibone made no Spring Training appearances in 2015. The Phillies refrained from putting Pettibone onto the 60-day disabled list, which could be a sign they hope to have his help available in the nearer future. After Pettibone is healthy he could still be optioned to AAA Lehigh Valley to make starts until the Phillies need another starter.
Pettibone is recovering from shoulder surgery.
