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Phillies Give Ruiz Time to Recover From Sore Wrist

Saturday, Sep 19, 2009 | Updated 8:31 PM EST

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 2: Catcher Carlos Ruiz #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies gets ready on field against the Milwaukee Brewers during Game 2 of the NLDS Playoffs at Citizens Bank Ballpark on October 2, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz was held out of the lineup Saturday night against Atlanta because of a left wrist sprain.

Ruiz, who believes he will miss ``a couple of days,'' left Philadelphia's 9-4 win Friday over the Braves after tagging out Matt Diaz on a play at the plate.

“It's a little sore,'' Ruiz said. ``I was feeling it a bit swinging. Catching is no problem. I feel like I can play that way. Yesterday, after that play, I thought, ‘Oh, I don't think I can do
it.'”

Paul Bako replaced Ruiz, who first irritated his wrist against Washington earlier this week, for the second straight game.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel gave Shane Victorino another day of rest as the center fielder recovers from flu-like symptoms.

Ben Francisco, who went 3 for 5 Friday with a solo homer and a double, replaced Victorino in the field and his No. 2 spot in the lineup.

Manuel expects reliever J.C. Romero, on the disabled list since July 23 with a strained left forearm, will need to make a rehab appearance before he can return.

“I think it'll be asking a whole lot,” Manuel said. “I don't
know if he's ready for that. I feel like he's got to go throw to
some hitters somewhere.”