Rollins could return to Phillies lineup Sunday

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he is hopeful that rehabbing shortstop Jimmy Rollins will be back in the lineup on Sunday against the Twins, and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. acknowledged that the timetable is a realistic one.

A lot depends on how Rollins fares tonight, when he is scheduled to play nine innings for Class A Clearwater. He played five innings Tuesday and seven innings Wednesday before taking yesterday off.

After tonight's game, he will join the Phillies in Philadelphia, although with an afternoon game against the Twins tomorrow, it is unlikely he will be in the starting lineup.

Rollins has played in just 12 games this season due to a calf strain that he initially sustained while warming up for the home opener on April 12, then reinjured five games into his return from a 5-week stay on the disabled list. He went 9-for-23 with five extra-base hits before injuring the calf on April 12, then went 5-for-18 with two extra-base hits in his return before reinjuring the muscle while running to first base in a 5-1 win over Boston on May 21. *

- David Murphy