As the Phillies concluded the interleague portion of their schedule in Tampa Bay and Toronto, Jimmy Rollins sat on the bench for four consecutive games. He wasn't used at all, even as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement. He's having an absolutely horrible season. Charlie Manuel has tried sitting him for a game. He's tried moving Rollins down in the batting order for a game or two. Nothing has worked for very long. After a bad decision on the field helped give Tampa Bay a win, Manuel finally decided to sit Rollins for an extended period.
Tonight in Atlanta Rollins returned to the lineup, and back to the leadoff spot, no less. Oops...0 for 5 with 2 strikeouts in the Phils' 5-4 loss to the Braves, ending their brief 2-game winning streak. Three of the Phils' 4 runs came on solo homers. Rollins' average is down to .207 and his on-base percentage is below .250. Keeping him leading off is no way to jump-start an offense. Manuel needs to move Rollins down in the order and keep him there for more than one or two games. If he hits well for a month, then move him back up.
The Phils continue to be fortunate that the injury-riddled Mets continue to suck, but now they have to be concerned about the Florida Marlins, who have jumped past the Mets into second place.
Meanwhile, it doesn't look like Raul Ibanez will be ready to come off the disabled list as soon as he's eligible. Going on the DL now, though, is Antonio Bastardo, which means another starting pitcher will be needed either Thursday or during the weekend.
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