Happ Out, Moyer Starts

Updated 2:07 PM EDT, Mon, Sep 7, 2009

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Even worse news came out of Houston Monday as the Phillies tried to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Astros.

J.A. Happ was unable to make his start on Monday because of a strained a muscle in his side and Jamie Moyer replaced him.

“I felt something and it hasn't gone away,” Happ said Monday.

Happ (10-4, 2.77 ERA) suffered the injury while taking batting practice on Saturday, the team said. It wasn't immediately known how long the injury would keep the National League Rookie of the Year candidate out of the rotation.

Moyer (12-9, 5.07) started 22 games this season before he moved to the bullpen on Aug. 10. He pitched three innings in relief Friday, giving up a run on one hit, a solo homer by Carlos Lee.

It will be Moyer’s 23rd start of the season.

Don't be surprised to see recently recalled Kyle Kendrick also see some time on the hill Monday.

As for Happ's long-term status in the rotation -- “I've had this before and it's one of those things where they have a way of being unpredictable and lingering,” he said. “We're trying to take the right approach here and knock it out before it gets worse.”

The 26-year-old lefty was wearing an ice wrap before Monday's game.

“This wasn't easy to come to this conclusion, but I think it's the smart thing for sure,” he said. “I'd be really frustrated if I did try to go today and suddenly, it's six or seven starts instead of one or two. It's just a frustrating situation.”