Oswalt leaves game early, could be out a while

We may need to get used to only having three aces on the Phillies for a while. Roy Oswalt, who was forced to leave his start against the Cardinals on Thursday night due to back soreness, will miss at least his next start and will have an MRI on Monday.

Oswalt discussed his condition with the Phillies beat reporters after the game and sounded very negative, hinting that he may not be able to throw another pitch. With a history of back problems, it could be only a matter of time before Oswalt decides that the pain he is going through simply isn't worth it anymore. With a contract that has a mutual option after this season, Oswalt might decide to just walk away from the Phillies. Luckily, he's a fighter and I'd be willing to bet he's going to do everything he can to be healthy by October.

What this all means is that we should get used to seeing Vance Worley and Kyle Kendrick on the mound for the Phillies. With Joe Blanton still out until at least the All Star break, the Phillies will be forced to trot Worley and Kendrick out 2 out of every 5 games for at least the next month. While the three aces are still very good, the Phillies rotation suddenly looks very thin. Hurry back, Oswalt, and let's hope you still have a few good pitches left in you.
(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Jayson Werth booed, then cheered, in return to Philadelphia

In one of the greatest mixed messages ever, Phillies fans first booed Jayson Werth in his return to Philly, then gave him a standing ovation:

Yeah, the guy sold out for more money, but it's hard to blame him. Thanks for a few good years, Werth. Now I hope you never get a hit in Philly again.

Jamie Moyer suffers a possibly career-ending injury

While he isn't a Phillie anymore, the news is still sad: while pitching winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Jamie Moyer has suffered another elbow injury. Early reports from Moises Alou, the general manager of Moyer's Domican team, are that the injury could end the career of the 24 year MLB veteran.

Given his status as a free agent, Moyer decided to pitch in a winter league to test out his arm and show that he can still pitch in the majors. While it's still early and we don't really know the true extent of his injury, given his age, it's doubtful that Moyer would continue rehabbing if he had a major setback in his comeback attempt.

If his career is indeed over, what a sad way for the Old Man to go. While it was going to be tough seeing him pitch for another team next year, no fan of the Phillies or any team in baseball wanted to see things end like this for a guy like Jamie Moyer.