TAMPA, Fla. – The Phillies knew they were facing an innings shortage in their rotation. That’s why they signed veteran Aaron Harang to a one-year, $5 million contract in the offseason.
Harang pitched 204 innings with the Braves last season and the Phillies could use a similar output this season.
But doubts have already been raised about Harang as the 36-year-old right-hander has had to miss two starts this spring because of lower back soreness.
Harang quieted some of the concerns about his health by pitching three innings against the New York Yankees on Thursday night. He allowed two hits and two runs, one of which was unearned after an error by Ryan Howard. The other came on a homer by Chase Headley. Harang threw 37 pitches in the game then went off to the bullpen and threw 15 more.
Harang projects to have three more starts before the regular seasons begins. He is confident he will be ready.
“I’m not worried about it,” he said of the back soreness. “I’ve felt really good the last few days.
“I know what it takes to be ready. As long as I’m up there near the 90s (in pitches), adding another 15 or so isn’t going to be a big deal.”
Harang said he’d changed a few exercises and added some stretching to prevent flare-ups.
A healthy Harang has been a must since the Phillies signed him. It might be even more important now that Cliff Lee is probably lost for the season. Without Lee, the concern over getting enough innings from this rotation is even more pronounced.
“You know what, I was trying to be an innings guy before Cliff went down,” Harang said. “I’m not going to be putting any more pressure on myself. I’m just going to go out and do what I do, go out and give us a chance to win.”
The game
The Phillies beat the Yankees, 7-3. Darin Ruf broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the eighth inning with his first homer of the spring.
Chase Utley had two of the Phillies’ 10 hits, including a double. Cody Asche homered.
Brown hurting
Domonic Brown left the game in the third inning with a sore left Achilles tendon. He said it has been bothering him for a couple of weeks. He has been taking anti-inflammatory medicine.
“They’re saying it’s tendinitis,” he said. “I’ll check in with a doctor to see what’s going on.
“I want to be in there, spring training or not. I feel pretty good at the plate. I don’t want to miss any time but this is part of the game, also. I’m definitely frustrated. It seemed like we were going in the right direction, but it was grabbing me a little.”
Showcase?
Austin Romine started for the Yankees behind the plate. Romine, 26, is out of minor-league options and could be traded before opening day. The Phillies are in the market for a backup catcher and Romine would make some sense if the two teams could match up on a deal.
Billingsley to ramp up
Chad Billingsley is ready for another step in his recovery from two elbow surgeries. He will pitch in a minor-league game Saturday at Carpenter Complex.
Billingsley is expected to pitch in a big-league game before camp breaks and could be in the rotation by late April.
Up next
The Phillies play against the Pirates in Bradenton on Friday. Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, one of the candidates to fill the fifth spot in the rotation, will get the start.
Gonzalez has been hit hard in the Grapefruit League. In seven innings, he has allowed 12 hits, including three home runs, and seven runs. He has struck out five and walked none.
Manager Ryne Sandberg would like to see improvement from Gonzalez.
“A little bit more consistency and a good solid outing would go a long way,” Sandberg said. “At times he shows his best fastball. At times, he shows his best changeup and breaking pitch. It's more about being consistent with that for a whole outing, giving us a quality start and a chance to win.”
Gonzalez is in the second year of a three-year, $12 million contract. He made six relief appearances last season and had a 6.75 ERA.