Phillies Notes: Strained hamstring puts Phillies catcher Ruiz on bench

NEW YORK - For the second straight game, Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz wasn't in the starting lineup because of a right hamstring strain.

Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said Ruiz had an ultrasound test on his hamstring Tuesday in Philadelphia. Ruiz was available as a pinch-hitter in Tuesday's game at Citi Field against the New York Mets.

"It is a mild hamstring strain, and we wanted to make sure it wasn't anything more serious than that," Proefrock said before the game.

Ruiz last played in Sunday's 8-3 loss in St. Louis. He was listed in Monday's lineup against the Mets before being pulled.

Proefrock said it was possible Ruiz could return to the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Mets.

"Based on the exam it isn't a disabled-list situation at all," Proefrock said.

Ruiz is batting .366 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs.

Righthander Vance Worley, who has been on the disabled list retroactive to May 12 with right elbow inflammation, took another positive step by throwing a bullpen session before Tuesday's game. Worley said he threw 30 pitches.

"I just have to find a little location, but other than that I thought the ball was coming out well," Worley said. "It felt easy and I felt I didn't have to force anything."

Worley admitted there was a little rust.

"Mechanically, I felt good. The ball was a little flat just because I haven't been able to get an angle to it and been off a mound," he said.

Chase Utley and Ryan Howard still do not have return dates as they recover from their injuries. Utley is dealing with a chronic condition in both knees and Howard is recovering from left Achilles tendon surgery.

Utley took batting practice before Tuesday's game and he also fielded some grounders and fly balls while in center field. (That doesn't mean he's playing the outfield; that was just the best spot for working on fielding with others taking batting practice.)

"When Chase tells us he is ready to go on a rehab assignment that is when he is going to go," Proefrock said. "Everything as far as I know he has been making progress and heading in the right direction."

Proefrock said Howard has to continue to strengthen his calf, which had atrophied from inactivity.

"He's doing everything in the field, and I know he is running some now and it's a matter of strengthening," Proefrock said. "I know he's supposed to hit in a simulated game today, and I think he has done that three or four of the last five days."

First baseman Jim Thome, on the disabled list with a lower-back strain, has been competing in extended spring training.

Proefrock said it was realistic to expect Thome back when the Phillies begin a nine-game road trip against American League teams Baltimore, Minnesota, and Toronto beginning June 8. The Phillies will need a designated hitter in those games, and, if healthy, Thome will be a viable option.