On his day off, Jimmy Rollins came to an empty Citizens Bank Park for a simulated game. There were no fielders, but it was a chance for Rollins to see live pitching. The Phillies had Antonio Bastardo, David Herndon, Vance Worley and Mike Zagurski throw.
Not exactly a way to spend the day off.
"I was happy," Rollins said.
Happy because all went well with Charlie Manuel closely watching. The manager was impressed enough to say he hopes to start Rollins on Sunday against the Mets.
Rollins has missed the last 12 games with a strained right hamstring. The shortstop took some swings against live pitching for the first time Thursday and also ran the bases. How did it feel?
"It felt like running," Rollins said.
If Rollins were to return Sunday, he would have seven regular-season games left to re-acclimate himself before the playoffs begin.
Of course, Wilson Valdez has filled in admirably for Rollins in his absence. Valdez is hitting .320 in September with an .804 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).
But if Rollins can get his legs under him in the season's final week, he could be an asset. Remember, the shortstop has come up with some of the team's biggest hits in previous Octobers. He is hitting .338 with a .956 OPS with runners in scoring position this season.
"The first game, there would be a speed adjustment," Rollins said. "After that, it's not bad."
Manuel was asked if seven games is long enough for Rollins to become comfortable at the plate.
"It might be," Manuel said. "Sometimes, you throw someone in there and they take off. Other times, they think they're ready and they have a couple good days and they're not ready at all."
In Rollins' first four games back from his first stint on the disabled list for a strained right calf, he was 3 for 14 with a home run and 3 RBIs but had to go back on the DL after that. In his first seven games back from the second DL stay, he was 6 for 29 with a home run and 4 RBIs.
The simulated game was designed mainly for Rollins' benefit, but it also allowed Bastardo to have some work. Should the Phillies choose to have two lefthanded relievers on the postseason roster, Bastardo would be the second.
Also, Greg Dobbs took some at-bats along with Rollins. Dobbs, despite being twice designated for assignment, appears to have played himself into a position to make the postseason roster.
As for Rollins, he will not bat leadoff upon his return. He said he is just about comfortable with every part of his game except one aspect.
"Can I steal a bag? Yeah," Rollins said. "Would I try? No."
Contact staff writer Matt Gelb at 215-854-2928 or mgelb@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @magelb.
