Ruiz Returns; Worley Has Successful Surgery

-Welcome back, Carlos Ruiz. Chooch was activated from the disabled list today, but will not start for at least the next few days. He’ll be relegated to bench duty; pinch-hitting and defensive replacement. Ruiz said he’s feeling good, but they won’t overplay him or rush him into doing things he’s not ready to do.

Charlie Manuel told me there was no thought about shutting him down for the season, although that seems far fetched. The Phillies are still looking at an extremely outside shot at a playoff berth, which is likely the reason Ruiz is on the active roster.

–Placido Polanco hits the DL yet again. The guy can’t stay healthy and it’s possible we’ve seen the last of him in a Phillies uni. Polly’s back is acting up yet again, said Phillies assistant GM Scott Proefrock. After a brief return from the DL, Polanco played sparingly, having lost his position to Kevin Frandsen. The Phillies still laud Polly’s defense, but that may not be enough to save him for 2013.

–Vance Worley had successful surgery on his elbow today. Proefrock said Worley had a loose body removed (just one) and had a bone spur fixed, which had been the cause of his troubles for much of the season.

Worley never complained about pain and shied away from ever blaming his rapid decline on the elbow, but it was pretty apparent it had some sort of affect. The Vanimal is now whole again and will start his rehab tomorrow, according to Proefrock.

–Brian Schneider had a baby – not him, but his wife. Haven is the girls name. Congrats to the Phillies backup catcher who continues his rehab in Clearwater. Proefrock did not sound optimistic that Schneider would be able to contribute much for the remainder of this season, which could also be his last in Philadelphia.