Roy Oswalt Returning for Series Finale Against Giants

Roy Oswalt will return to the mound today for the Phillies, taking on Tim Lincecum of the Giants in the finale of this weekend series.

Oswalt has been out since late June dealing with lower back issues.  Initially unsure of the injury’s severity, Oswalt didn’t know when he would be able to return for the Phillies.  But after it was discovered that he was dealing with a mild bulging disk instead of a herniated one, a timeframe was set up that would have the lefty returning sometime in August.

The 33 year old was able to stick to the plan and begin a rehab assignment two weeks ago.  He now returns and hopes to strengthen what’s been one of the league’s best pitching staffs.

Oswalt was able to maintain an ERA and WHIP of 3.79 and 1.33 over 13 starts before being sidelined.  While these numbers are respectable, they are considered subpar for a pitcher the caliber of Oswalt and can be attributed to the lower back pain he was dealing with for much of the year.

In his absence, Vance Worley has stepped up to fill in and has done so in grand fashion.  On the year Worley is 8-1 with a 2.35 ERA for the Phils.  Since Oswalt left the rotation, Worley has started 8 games for Philadelphia, holding an earned run average of 1.80 while logging 7 or more innings in 5 of those appearances.

For more on the Phillies, be sure to check out That Balls Outta Here.