The Phillies fearsome foursome is finally back together again.
Ace No. 3 Roy Oswalt was activated from the disabled list Monday in time for him to start Tuesday night at St. Louis.
The 33-year-old righty hasn’t pitched for the Phils since he was shelled for five earned runs, six hits and a walk in three ineffective innings at Arizona on April 26. After the subpar performance it came out that Oswalt was taking a leave of absence to return to tornado-ravaged Mississippi to be with his family.
Once Oswalt returned to the Phightins about a week later it became clear that his balky back had acted up and he was placed on the 15-Day DL.
Thanks to a spoil of off days and the occasional spot start from Vance Worley and Kyle Kendrick, the Phils were able to stay afloat with Oswalt and fifth-starter Joe Blanton on the shelf.
Oswalt made one rehab start at Single-A Clearwater last Thursday allowing three earned runs and seven hits while striking out five over five innings.
"I felt pretty good," Oswalt said. "The biggest thing is just getting the arm strength going again and location. It may take a start or two to get going."
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To make room for Oswalt, Worley was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley despite posting a 2-0 record with a 1.12 ERA in four games (two starts).
Oswalt is 3-1 with a 3.33 ERA while striking out 21 in 27 innings over five starts this season. He is set to face superhot lefty Jamie Garcia who is 5-0 with a 1.89 ERA so far this season.