Philadelphia Phillies News and Notes

The Phillies entered Thursday’s game against the Dodgers a full game behind the Mets in the division. Some small news bits came out on Wednesday that should be mentioned.

• J.A. Happ has been named a starting pitcher for one of the games against the Washington Nationals on Saturday. The teams are playing a doubleheader to make up for the lost April 15 game in Washington. Brett Myers will start the other, likely the first game. If Happ is needed Thursday, though, in long relief, that could change the plans
• J.C. Romero is set to start his rehab assignment on Monday to prepare for his return to the Phillies following his suspension by the league.
• Charlie Manuel, who will manage the National League in the All Star game, has named his first assistant manager for the game. Dodgers skipper Joe Torre will accompany Manuel in the dugout in St. Louis, where Torre both spent some playing time and some managing time with the Cardinals. It appears that Manuel will also invite Cardinals manager Tony La Russa to join him in his home stadium.