Maybe allowing Cliff Lee to go 10 shutout on innings wasn't such a good idea after all.
Just three days after his incredible performance against the Giants (which the Phillies still lost), Lee has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle.
Lee will be eligible to return on May 4, and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is hopeful that he will only miss his two scheduled starts.
For now, Kyle Kendrick will take Lee's spot in the rotation. In no way, though, will he be able to replace the consistency that Lee brings to the table.
The Phillies recalled left-handed reliever Joe Savery from Triple-A to take Lee's spot on the roster. He will join the team on Sunday in San Diego.
Lee became the first pitcher since 2007 to go 10 innings in a start. Aaron Harang tossed 10 innings on July 23 of that year while with the Reds. Roy Halladay also did it earlier that season in April.
Ironically, Lee actually injured himself on a pitch in the 10th.
“He actually did it on a pitch in the 10th when he felt something and it grabbed him on his left side," Amaro said. "He was sore the next day. It has improved each day, but we're being very cautious with this. There's no reason for him to completely blow it out. It's an injury that if he really pulls it, we could lose him for a long time. We'll be cautious with him, shut him down, and get him right. Hopefully he only misses a couple of starts.”
Lee actually has a history of groin and abdominal strains, but they appear to be unrelated to this current injury.
All signs point to him being back and ready to go on May 4, but we'll have to wait and see just to be sure.
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