BALTIMORE - It does not take a genius to know the Phillies require reinforcements for their depleted bullpen. Charlie Manuel intimated Friday the front office is actively searching for just that.
“We’re trying to do some things,” Manuel said.
The Phillies have just two righthanded relievers before Jonathan Papelbon. One is the much-maligned Chad Qualls, who has a 5.32 ERA and allowed 29 hits in 22 innings. The other is Michael Schwimer, who has all of 222/3 major-league innings to his name.
It is a problematic situation that can make late-inning management an exercise in futility.
“We’re in a tough spot right now,” Manuel said. “I think everybody knows that. We’re in a tough spot, but we still have to come out and play as good as we possibly can and see if that’s enough.”
Manuel was obviously briefed on the situation and said the organization’s goal is to improve with an external move. Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said there is no increased pressure to make a move for a relief arm.
The Phillies will add a righthanded reliever Saturday, possibly B.J. Rosenberg, after optioning Raul Valdes to triple-A Lehigh Valley late Friday night.
Proefrock would not say if the team is involved in trade talks for a reliever. He did say there are no financial limitations that would preclude such a move.
“We’re always trying to get better,” Proefrock said. “That’s what our job is.”
The Phillies had originally hoped the bullpen would be a source of strength. But injuries to Jose Contreras, Mike Stutes, David Herndon, and Justin De Fratus have severely depleted the righthanded relief pool.
Polanco needs shot. Placido Polanco has a small tendon tear in his left wrist which required a cortisone injection Friday morning in Philadelphia. He will miss at least this weekend’s action and possibly more, but the Phillies do not view him as a candidate for the disabled list.
“I have to give that some time to work,” Polanco said.
Polanco injured his wrist Tuesday when he was spiked by Dodgers catcher Matt Treanor during a play at third. He also required stitches to close a cut on his left index finger.
Proefrock termed Polanco day-to-day while Manuel said he would miss at least five days with the injuries.
Extra bases. X-rays on Hunter Pence’s right hand were negative following Friday’s game. He was hit by a pitch in the second inning but remained in the game. … Pete Orr was outrighted off the 40-man roster, leaving 39 active players. … Ryan Howard and Chase Utley played in a simulated game Friday in Clearwater, Fla. Laynce Nix (calf) joined them for the first time.
Contact Matt Gelb at mgelb@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @magelb.
