Antonio

Bastardo

The Phillies believe it’s due to dehydration and have sent him for testing to determine ways to alleviate the issue. Bastardo hasn’t pitched since Sunday and isn’t scheduled to make his next appearance until Saturday. The 26-year-old left-hander emerged as a dominant set-up man last season, posting a 2.64 ERA and 70/26 K/BB ratio over 58 innings.

Bastardo through a perfect 1 1/3 innings, sending down Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez in order. He’ll pitch again on Saturday.

Bastardo hasn’t shown any signs of improvement after taking a week off due to forearm tightness, something the Phillies said was caused by dehydration. “I’m not seeing velocity like I should be seeing,” said Dubee. “But at the same time, I think we’ve got that disease going through our camp where we’ve got a lot of dead arms right now. That happens a lot.” Bastardo topped out at 91 mph with his fastball during an appearance on Sunday after averaging 92.5 mph with his heater last season. The Phillies have maintained that there isn’t any structural damage with his forearm, so the cause for the diminished velocity remains a mystery.

Bastardo hadn’t pitched in six days due to a cut above his left eye, which he suffered in a weight room accident. The righty has a 2.42 ERA in 22 1/3 innings this year.

Bastardo is currently sidelined due to a cut above his left eye which was suffered as a result of a self-inflicted weight room injury. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said that Bastardo could miss multiple games due to swelling and possible infection.

Seriously. The injury occurred after Bastardo gave up a run to the Twins on Wednesday and decided to take his frustrations out on a squat machine. He required stitches to repair a large cut above the eye, which was nearly swollen shut after Friday’s game. He could miss multiple days.

Bastardo was untouchable for most of the season, but has allowed six runs on six hits and five walks over six innings this month. Dubee said it was an “easy fix,” so we’ll have to see if the changes will lead to better results.

Bastardo walked a batter, but he also recorded a strikeout. The 26-year-old struggled mightily in September after an impressive run during the summer. He’s a bit of a wild card in this five-game divisional series.

The left-hander has given up two runs without recording an out in two of his last three outings. Bastardo has appeared in 59 games this season, which is one more than he appeared in last year in his first season as a full-time reliever. “I need a rest right now,” Bastardo said. “My arm’s not hurt. It’s just tired.” The health of Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins is a bigger concern for the Phillies right now, but giving Bastardo some rest down the stretch should also be a priority.

“I think he has to cut the ball loose a little bit better and be a little bit more aggressive,” Manuel said. “I just think it’s a matter of him getting out there and getting sharp again. It’s a long season.” Bastardo has walked five batters and allowed three hits while recording just four outs over his past four appearances.