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Phillies Notes: Halladay to make third rehab start

Roy Halladay did not resemble a pitcher ready to retire major-league hitters during his second rehab start Tuesday at single-A Lakewood. With every five days, the chance to make an impression for his next employer - whether it be the Phillies or someone else - dwindles. The Phillies will not rush the recovery from shoulder surgery.

Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)
Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)Read more

Roy Halladay did not resemble a pitcher ready to retire major-league hitters during his second rehab start Tuesday at single-A Lakewood. With every five days, the chance to make an impression for his next employer - whether it be the Phillies or someone else - dwindles. The Phillies will not rush the recovery from shoulder surgery.

They will send Halladay to double-A Reading on Sunday for his third minor-league start. The Phillies have an opening in their rotation Sunday and interim manager Ryne Sandberg said the starter was "undetermined." Tyler Cloyd, who allowed five runs Monday, is the favorite to make another start.

It will not be Jonathan Pettibone, the rookie who pitched in his second rehab start Tuesday. The soreness in his right shoulder has returned. He will undergo an MRI examination Thursday. With such little time remaining, it is not a stretch to say Pettibone's latest setback could end his season.

Halladay allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and three walks Tuesday. His fastball velocity topped at 89 m.p.h. and averaged 87 m.p.h. He could not command his pitches with consistency.

"He still has some work to do," Sandberg said.

Time on a big-league mound to end 2013 is important for both player and team. Halladay, who is earning $20 million this season, is a free agent come October.

"I'm not worried about that," Halladay said. "I'm really not. I'm fortunate I've played for a long time. I'm not playing for money. If I have a situation where there is a chance to win, I might pay them."

The pitcher backtracked Wednesday on comments critical of Charlie Manuel and his teammates' lack of hustle. Halladay said Sandberg "addressed some issues that I think were being overlooked." Halladay spoke with Manuel to clarify.

"I wanted him to know that I really enjoyed playing for him," Halladay said, "and as far as managers have gone, he's the best I've ever been around. I really enjoyed the time with him."

Extra bases

Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins became the longest-tenured active double-play tandem when they both started Tuesday. They have played 1,041 games together, one more than the Yankees' Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter. . . . Kenneth Ayres, a senior at West Chester University, was named winner of the 2013 Kalas Award, given annually by the Philadelphia Broadcasters Foundation to a student wanting to follow in Harry Kalas' footsteps.

 
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