Jimmy Rollins leaves Phillies to be with pregnant wife

JIMMY ROLLINS may not be in the lineup for the Phillies' opener today in Arlington, Texas.

Rollins did not fly on the team's charter flight on Saturday since he and his wife, Johari, are expecting the couple's second child. Rollins could still join the team before the game, which begins at 2 p.m. EDT.

If the Phillies have to place Rollins on the paternity list, he could stay off the roster for as many as three games (but could also return after one game missed, too).

If the Phils have to call up an infielder to replace Rollins, they have options.

The team signed Ronny Cedeno to a minor league contract and he was assigned to Triple A Lehigh Valley yesterday. Reid Brignac is also at Lehigh. But neither player is on the 40-man roster, which means the Phils would have to make another move to create a spot. The 40-man roster is currently maxed out at 40.

Freddy Galvis, the Phillies' primary backup shortstop, began the season on the DL with an infection on his left knee. He could be activated as soon as next week.

In need of shortstop depth, the Phillies traded for veteran Jayson Nix on Friday. If Rollins is unavailable today, Nix likely will start in his place.

But Rollins could also still fly out and join the team in time for today's game.