Jimmy Rollins Returns to Phils Lineup From Bench

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has wiped the slate clean -- at least for now -- and restored benched leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins to his rightful spot at the top of the batting order. Rollins had been told to take a seat in the dugout Thursday after being tardy.

"Jimmy was late getting to the yard," Manuel was quoted as saying in The New York Post. "I called him in and talked to him. That's all I got to say. It's an in-house thing between him and I."

It's the second time Rollins has found himself in Manuel's doghouse for a day, having been benched June 5 for failing to hustle on a dropped pop fly.

Rollins was ordered to take a seat Thursday after he showed up late for the Phillies 3-1 loss to the Mets, then claiming he was following the team bus to Shea Stadium from his hotel but was held up in traffic. It was the second time he was late this season.

"...You can't change the (traffic) lights," Rollins said, refusing to apologize to his teammates.

Phillies Skipper to Take Hitters to Woodshed

A trip to the woodshed may be in store for several Phillies regulars, as manager Charlie Manuel has found his starting lineup a bit lackluster past the midway point of spring training in Clearwater, Fla.

With Jimmy Rollins hitting .156, Geoff Jenkins .162, Jayson Werth .174, Pat Burrell .194, Chase Utley .200, and Shane Victorino .250, Manuel hints he will have a "little chat" with some of his players, according to remarks quoted by the Philadelphia Enquirer.

"It's not like a lightbulb. You don't turn it on and off," said Manuel, worrying that the team's seemingly indifferent attitude might linger into the regular season.

The Phillies stand at 5-12 on the spring, the second worst record in major league baseball, ahead of only the Pirates. It's a small sample, of course. But then again, it is what it is.