Philadelphia Phillies Injury Updates: Who Should Return to Roster Before August

The Philadelphia Phillies have been plagued with injuries this season, especially to their pitching staff. 

After the core position players like Chase Utley returned, the pitching injuries began to increase.

Ryan Madson, Jose Contreras, Brad Lidge, Joe Blanton and Roy Oswalt are all currently on the disabled list.

Recent injuries to All-Stars Shave Victorino and Placido Polanco have also hurt the everyday lineup. Luckily for the Phillies, Polanco was not placed on the 15-day DL.

Their are few players with returns up in the air—hopefully by the end of August the majority of the key players will return to the 25-man roster.

Worth Noting: Roy Oswalt

Former All-Star starting pitcher Roy Oswalt has been recently given a series of injections in his lower back to help with the swelling from a bulging disc.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Roy will begin an exercise program Monday, July 11 to see how his back responds to the injections. He then will be evaluated Friday in New York to see what his next move will be. Oswalt is scheduled to rejoin the Phillies to support the team in New York for their series against the Mets.

Expected Return: Late August or early September

Worth Noting: Jose Contreras

Jose Contreras is the player whose injuries concern the Phillies the most. According to The Philadelphia Daily News, he hit another speed bump in his recovery and it is thought he may have done more damage than initially diagnosed.

Jose will visit renowned specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum Friday in Los Angeles to seek a second opinion on his strained right forearm.

Expected Return: Unknown

Shane Victorino

All-Star center fielder Shane Victorino has been the most consistent hitter for the Phillies so far in the 2011 season.

According to CSNPhilly.com, Shane is currently on the DL from a Grade 1 sprain of his right thumb. Victorino can be activated off the disabled list July 19.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Shane took batting practice on Sunday before the game against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park.

Depending on the swelling of his thumb, and with John Mayberry Jr. playing well, the Phillies will not rush Shane back. I believe he will try his best to be back as soon as possible.

Expected Return: 2-3 weeks

Joe Blanton

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, Starting pitcher Joe Blanton will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, July 11.

After that, Joe will then start to pitch batting practice, then hopefully begin a regular throwing routine and a rehab assignment shortly after that.

Expected Return: 4-5 weeks

Brad Lidge

Brad Lidge has been recently making rehab appearances for the Lakewood Blue Claws. On Saturday, he allowed one earned run and three hits with two strikeouts.

Brad will make his fourth rehab appearance on Monday for the Double-A Reading Phillies.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the major league club will want Brad Lidge to make back-to-back appearances before he can rejoin the team.

Expected Return: 2-3 weeks

Ryan Madson

According to Todd Zolecki, a Phillies beat writer for MLB.com, Ryan Madson is scheduled to pitch a rehab assignment for Class-A Clearwater Threshers on Wednesday, July 12.

Rotoworld believes that Madson may pitch one or two more rehab games, then he will make his return to the 25-man roster shortly after the All-Star break.

Expected Return 1-2 weeks

Vance Worley

Vance Worley is not injured and was only placed back in Triple-A because it worked out that he would not pitch again until after the All-Star break.

The Phillies wanted to keep him throwing on his regular, scheduled routine, so they had him make a start in Lehigh Valley. Vance pitched seven shutout innings for the Iron Pigs and is scheduled to make the start Friday in New York against the Mets, according to Todd Zolecki.

Look for a right-handed reliever to be optioned to Lehigh Valley before Friday's game to make room for Vance on the 25-man roster.