Report on the Bullpen

Injuries

Contreras (RHP): To undergo two surgeries and attempt a comeback. He is about 41 years old. The Phillies placed him on the DL retroative to his last appearance and transferred him to the 60-Day DL after the evaluations. He needs Tommy John Surgery and also needs to repair his flexor tendon (both in his throwing arm).

De Fratus (RHP): Started throwing three and a half weeks ago. Diagnosed with a right elbow sprain. He hasn't played all year.

Herndon & Stutes (RHPs): Progressing slowly. Both have inflation. Herndon has it in his right elbow and Stutes has it in his shoulder.

Roster Move

Before the second game against the Orioles, the Phillies sent lefty Raul Valdes to the Ironpigs and called up right-handed rookie B.J. Rosenberg, who immediately threw a perfect 11th inning before allowing a walk and a two-run home run to Adam Jones in the 12th inning in a 6-4 loss that day. The move was made so that there are more righties than lefties in the bullpen.

Potential Call-Up Candidates are lefty Raul Valdez and righty Phillippe Aumont.

Active Roster

Note: Long-man Kyle Kendrick is now taking Roy Halladay's (right lat. dorsi strain) place in the rotation until sometime after the All-Star Break.

Righties: Michael Schwimmer, B.J. Rosenberg, set-up man Chad Qualls and closer Jonathan Papelbon

Lefties: Jake Deikman, long-man Joe Savery, and set-up man Antonio Bastardo

State of the Bullpen - GRADE: C

Overall, the bullpen sucks with notable exceptions.

With the exception of game four against the Dodgers, Chad Qualls has not allowed any runs: he allowed four (three earned) in that game. He's pitched better and was excellent in April until his appearance on the 30th. From that game and through most of his appearances in May, he struggled - a 6.10 ERA in May. Let's hope Qualls can nail it down or he'll be out of a job. GRADE: D

B.J. Rosenberg pitched excellently in the first half of his debut but gave up the walk-off two-run HR to Adam Jones in the second half of his debut. GRADE: C+

Jake Deikman retired all batters faced in his debut and got the win as a result. He has a 1-0 record with a 4.88 ERA but get rid of his second appearance (in Chicago), he'd have a 1.00 ERA.GRADE: B+/A-

Antonio Bastardo struggled in the second half of April but has been very domainant this season except for June 1st against the Marlins. Yes, he regressed, but this is not too bad of a slump. GRADE: B-

Michael Schwimmer was sent down during the shake-up but has been better since returning. GRADE: C

Joe Savery has a 0 ERA in June but was very terrible in April and May. GRADE: C+

Papelbon is 15 for 15 in saves but has struggled in non-save opportunities. His great season is what's keeping me from giving the bullpen a D. As long as he either doesn't blow a save or blows a save but improves during non-save situations, I will keep him in the A-range. GRADE: A-

DL Guys did ok but not great - inconsistent is a good word to use. GRADE: C+/B-

It's up to Rich Dubee and Charlie Manuel to use the bullpen effectively: they've been better recently but terrible in April and May. While the last two extra-inning losses are tough I think we can turn it around. Injuries continue to mount - Contreras was just beginning to be effective when he went down. Hoping the next three weeks go better and that the 'pen dominates in the second half. Turn it around!!!