Phillies Notes: Sore hip puts Phillies' Polanco on sidelines

SAN FRANCISCO - Yet another part of Placido Polanco's aging body is ailing, and it could mean more trouble for the Phillies third baseman.

Polanco was removed from Saturday's 2-1 victory with soreness in his left hip. He will miss at least the next few days, if not more. Polanco will undergo an MRI exam and X-rays, likely Monday in Los Angeles, to determine the severity of the injury.

Whatever it is, Polanco said it has been bothering him for a month.

"I've had it for a while now," Polanco said, "and I guess it just got worse, sprinting and running."

Both Polanco and manager Charlie Manuel said Friday night's brawl did nothing to aggravate the injury. After running out a double-play ball in the seventh inning, Polanco complained of the pain to head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan. Manuel pulled him.

Polanco does not believe the injury is related to the back problems that have sidelined him at various points this season.

"It's in the side," Polanco said. "It's not in the back."

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. expressed concern about the injury. He estimated Polanco will miss at least the next few days.

"He's hurting," Amaro said.

Polanco was 0 for 3 Saturday but had had at least one hit in five games before that since returning from the disabled list. Michael Martinez replaced Polanco at third and figures to split time with Wilson Valdez if an extended absence is needed.

Will Polanco head to the disabled list for the second time this season?

"I have no idea," he said. "It's one of those things we'll have to see what it is first."

Ryan Madson returned to San Francisco less than an hour before first pitch Saturday and was activated from the paternity leave list. To make room, Scott Mathieson was designated for assignment.

Mathieson has options remaining, but he was designated as a procedural move. He will be placed on optional waivers and eventually return to the 40-man roster once he clears. Teams rarely select players off optional waivers as part of a gentleman's agreement.

Roy Oswalt, who will make his return to the starting rotation Sunday, was activated off the disabled list after the game. With concern for Polanco's injury and a possible suspension for Shane Victorino coming, the Phillies opted to go with a shorter bullpen. Lefthander Juan Perez was optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley, leaving the Phillies with 11 pitchers again. Perez had a 3.60 ERA in eight games.