Injured Phillies relievers Romero, Condrey throw bullpen sessions

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Relievers J.C. Romero and Clay Condrey both threw successful 35-pitch bullpen sessions at the Phillies' Bright House Field yesterday morning.

Romero, sidelined with a strained left forearm, said he is looking to rejoin the Phillies before the season ends.

Of his session, Romero said: "I'm OK with it. I am a work in progress."

Suspended for the first 50 games this season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Romero made a rehab appearence for Class A Clearwater against Dunedin on Aug. 7 that lasted only 10 pitches. He returned to Philadelphia and was re-examined.

"It was tight, so I shut it down," said Romero, who could have come off the 15-day DL on Aug. 4.

This is Condrey's second stint on the DL for a left oblique strain; the first came on June 23, and this time was July 25.

"I'm taking it a bit easier this time," he said.

Condrey said he will throw another session on Thursday, while Romero wasn't sure when he would throw off a mound next.

Condrey is 6-2 with a 3.41 ERA over 36 games this season. Romero is 0-0, 2.87.

- Eddie Michels