CLEARWATER, Fla. - With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley seemingly back on track, an encouraging spring for the Philadelphia Phillies took a downward turn after Roy Halladay's last start sounded the alarms.
Howard has been outstanding this spring, hitting .333 with four homers and 12 RBIs in 15 games. Utley hit his first homer Tuesday and the fact he's playing at this point after sitting out all of spring each of the last two years is a positive step.
Though Halladay can't be expected to pitch like he did in 2010-11, the Phillies need him to be better than last year when he was 11-8 with a 4.49 ERA. Halladay got roughed up by Detroit on Tuesday. His velocity was down and he had trouble locating his pitches. He immediately dismissed any injury, but manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee were concerned.
