Phillies Notes: Despite loss, progress for Oswalt

For five innings, Roy Oswalt kept Texas off the scoreboard. He is aware of the Phillies' current offensive limitations, which will magnify any mistake by the starting pitcher.

"You kind of have to dance between raindrops out there," Oswalt said. "Don't give up too many hits in one inning."

He allowed two in the sixth, a leadoff single by Michael Young and a double by Mitch Moreland two batters later. That put the Rangers ahead and was really all Texas needed in a 2-0 win.

But for Oswalt, this outing represented more progress. It was his second start since returning from the disabled list and he was able to throw 96 pitches. (In fairness, a more accurate number would be 92, since four were intentional balls.)

In seven innings, Oswalt allowed eight hits. He walked two and plunked two batters while striking out only three. The righthander said he is still not 100 percent when it comes to arm strength or stamina, but he is nearing that point.

"Getting better, for sure," he said.

Oswalt lost a game at Citizens Bank Park for the first time in his career. In 12 previous starts in this ballpark, Oswalt was 10-0.

Pete Orr was a surprise final addition to the Phillies' opening day roster. He was successful in limited April action but once his workload expanded in May, his batting average dipped to .230 with an unsightly .577 OPS.

The Phillies had three middle infielders and one had to go when Chase Utley was ready to return. Orr was optioned Sunday to triple-A Lehigh Valley.

"Of course, any athlete wants to do better," Orr said. "I think I was hitting .230. I was doing well in the beginning. It would have been nice to be leaving here with better stats. That's just part of the game."

Orr had played often, especially against righthanders, but he had an option remaining. Both Wilson Valdez and Michael Martinez had to be exposed on waivers to be sent to the minors. Orr did not.

Because of Martinez's Rule 5 status, even if he were to clear waivers, the Phillies would have to offer him back to his original club, the Washington Nationals. With Shane Victorino on the disabled list, Martinez also doubles as a backup centerfielder, which could help his case.

Brad Lidge and Brian Schneider left for Clearwater, Fla., after Sunday's game and will continue their rehab activity there.

Lidge (torn rotator cuff) has thrown a few bullpen sessions in Philadelphia and will basically re-create spring training. Eventually, he will begin throwing in extended spring training games. He's still a few weeks away from returning.

Schneider (strained left hamstring) said he is not ready for game action and does not know when he may begin catching again.

Scott Podsednik, who once stole 70 bases in a season, agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with the Phillies. It is pending a physical.

Podsednik, 35, was released by Toronto after he spent 17 games in the minors. The outfielder has played 10 seasons in the majors and is a career .279 hitter. He has hit .297 and .304 while playing at least 132 major-league games in each of the last two seasons.

Jose Contreras (elbow) will pitch in his third rehab game, Monday at triple-A Lehigh Valley. He'll likely be activated Tuesday. . . . As expected, Joe Blanton (elbow) will be placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday. Vance Worley will be recalled to make Tuesday's start. . . . Ryan Madson was unavailable because of a bruise on his throwing hand from a ball hit back at him. Madson said he should be fine Monday. He has recorded a save in each of the last seven wins by the Phillies. The last Phillies pitcher to do that was Doug Jones from May 29 to June 8, 1994.