Potentially good news: Ruiz says it's a cramp
TORONTO – There is potentially good news on catcher Carlos Ruiz.
He does not believe he has an oblique injury. He believes he merely experienced a cramp when he left Friday night’s game after taking a swing while striking out in the sixth inning.
“I had an oblique problem [in 2009],” Ruiz said. “I know how it feels. I think this is more of a cramp.”
Despite Ruiz’ positive self-evaluation, the Phillies medical staff maintains that the catcher suffered an oblique strain. He will be examined Monday or Tuesday in Philadelphia to determine the severity of the strain.
Either way, it appears Ruiz may avoid a trip to the DL. He missed 21 days with an oblique strain in 2009.
Ruiz was not in the lineup for Saturday’s game with Toronto.
“We can’t take a chance and play him today,” manager Charlie Manuel said.
Sunday?
“We’ll see,” Manuel said.
Brian Schneider started at catcher Saturday afternoon and the Phils added Erik Kratz from Triple A an insurance. Reliever B.J. Rosenberg was sent back to Triple A.
Ruiz said he woke up feeling good Saturday.
“I was worried because with an oblique you can miss two weeks,” he said. “I’m happy that I feel good.”
Ruiz felt so good that he was able to take two rounds of batting practice Saturday. He hit in the cage with hitting coach Greg Gross and later in regular BP on the field. He drove the ball with authority in BP.
The Phils’ bullpen might be short for a couple of days because Antonio Bastardo is day-to-day with a self-inflicted frustration wound above his left eye. Bastardo has stitches and significant swelling around the eye. He sustained the injury after Wednesday night’s outing in Minnesota. Bastardo took his frustration out on a piece of weight-room equipment and ended up striking himself.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com.
