Charlie Manuel will impose pitch-limit on Cliff Lee as he returns after injury – MLB News
Giving due care to his oblique strain, the starter Cliff Lee suffered a few weeks ago, as management aims to use him sparingly. Lee threw in the first game after ending his DL stint.
As he was not as effective as he was before the injury, Manuel understands the kind of treatment he needs.
Realising that having him throw more than 80-85 pitches will be counter-produce, the bar has been decided for him.
“He’s not going to throw probably more than 85 pitches – if he throws that many,” Manuel said.
Lee has borne the brunt of weak offence the Phillies have. Games that saw him stepping on the mound as starter in the season were sheer disappointment for him, as he drew little run-support. He will throw ten scoreless innings and yet his side loses.
Had the Phillies been playing with their hitters, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley who act as a linchpin of their offence, Lee will have recorded reasonable number of wins by now.
Lee is not alone in this episode of constant betrayal by the Phillies’ offence, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels have also been victims.
During first few games at the start of the season, Halladay had to be nearly perfect, to make sure that even worst of the shows by their offence will not result in their loss.
Aware of the task at hand and knowing how precise he has to be in his throws in order to alleviate his abysmal win-loss record at the moment; Lee is h**l-bent to stand out. His penchant to take the Phillies to new heights this season is admirable.
Great pitching strength possessed by the Phillies is a huge positive for them. It can play a major role in helping the club in defending their last year Division Championship.
Not having the greatest of bullpens is also a potential weak-link. Even in a game against the New York Mets, while Lee threw reasonably better innings, reliever Kyle Kendrick came and leaked too many runs.
Can Lee turn the Phillies’ fate around by lifting them to wins with his quality throws is a question that he will be asking himself.
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