Philadelphia Phillies Wiretap

Nyjer Morgan Heckled Before Toss Into Stands

Nationals outfielder Nyjer Morgan was heckled before tossing a baseball into the stands on Aug. 21 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, says the fan that was struck by the ball.

The man told The Philadelphia Inquirer that he was shocked in the moments after the incident and taken aback when he learned baseball had determined the toss was purposeful.

"I still have a slight lump and some mild pain," said the fan, who requested anonymity.

"I got hit in the left temple. .... My head was turned, watching the outfield screen. I never saw it coming. .. There was no play going on, and it was between innings, so it's not something I really expected. I had no idea what had happened and was pretty dazed afterward."

Major League Baseball has suspended Morgan for seven games for deliberately throwing a baseball into the stands. He appealed the suspension and is still playing.

"There were one or two guys in Section 148 that were riding him pretty hard for a couple of innings," the fan said.

"Mostly they seemed to be heckling him about the way he wore his uniform. He was the only player on the field who was wearing his [uniform] old-style with the full stockings. They were screaming at him about looking like a jockey. ... Stuff like that."

Via ESPN

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Oswalt Plays Left Field For Phillies

The Astros beat the Phillies 4-2 in a 16-inning marathon game on Tuesday night.

Philadelphia pitcher Roy Oswalt actually played left field and grounded out to end the game.

Oswalt became the first Phillies pitcher to play a position in the field in 39 years when Ryan Howard was ejected in the 14th inning.

"I'm not sure what I think about the whole situation," right fielder Jayson Werth said. "I think I'll take a nap, wake up refreshed and pretend the whole thing didn't happen."

Oswalt caught a routine fly ball from Astros catcher Jason Castro, earning a loud ovation from the fans.

Via ESPN

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Strasburg Leaves Game With Apparent Injury

Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg left his start against the Phillies in the fifth inning with an apparent injury, according to an Associated Press report.

Strasburg grabbed his right wrist and shook it after a pitch to Dominic Brown on Saturday night.

Via AP

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Phillies Activate Ryan Howard

The Phillies have activated first baseman Ryan Howard from the disabled list, three weeks after he sprained his left ankle.

He was activated before Saturday?s game against the Nationals and is in the starting lineup, according to an Associated Press report.

Via AP

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Howard Says Sunday Return To Phillies Is 'Realistic'

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard hopes to return to the team on Sunday and called the possibility "realistic."

Howard made a rehab start for Class A Lakeland on Friday night as he returns from a sprained ankle.

He will play for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday night.

"I think Sunday is realistic," Howard said. "I'll go home and ice it. Do the same things I've been doing. It's about getting the rest of the swelling out. I'll go down to [Citizens Bank Park] for treatment tomorrow and then head up to Lehigh.

"Knowing [Phillies manager Charlie Manuel], once you get back, it's full bore."

Via MLB.com

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