Here's the Phillies' timeline for Carlos Zambrano
GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says the Phillies need to wait until the veteran righty is stretched out before evaluating him.
As of today, the plan for Carlos Zambrano is open ended. He is scheduled to throw between 30 and 40 pitches on Saturday in an extended spring training game. That will be followed by another appearance in an extended spring game, followed by, perhaps, some outings in affiliated ball. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Friday that the Phillies will not have an idea about what to expect form Zambrano until the longtime Cubs star is stretched out and able to pitch a normal workload.
Zambrano will not be an option when the Phillies need a fifth starter on Tuesday. Neither will John Lannan, who figures to miss at least a couple more turns through the rotation. Lannan, who has been sidelined with a strained quadriceps tendon since mid-April, will throw a bullpen session on May 20 or 21. Whether that is followed by a rehab outing remains to be seen.
"He's closer, but he's not close yet," Amaro said. "A lot of it will depend on how he feels when he gets out there."