Star Phillies' hitter Raul Ibanez has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left groin. Outfielder John Mayberry Jr. has been called up from the minors to take his place.

Ibanez is the second-best hitter in the National League with 22 HR and 59 RBI.

Yet, in his past seven games he has struggled, hitting only 6-for-31, but he does have 3 HR and 5 RBI in that span.

Ibanez stated Sunday that he was sore, but insisted it was nothing to seriously worry about.

On Wednesday Charlie Manuel had this to say: "It looked like tonight when he hit that ball to shortstop he couldn't turn it on, he kind of gimped. I saw that. It looked like it might have been bothering him."

Ibanez is first in outfielder voting for the All-Star game.

Ibanez will miss at least 10-13 games.

This is a huge loss to the Phillies, as Ibanez was their top hitter. Phillies fans can only hope Mayberry will be able to step up and hit well in Ibanez' absence.