Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Oswalt Stymies Nationals, Back Concerns Dwindling

On a night after one of the ugliest losses of the year, Roy Oswalt ensured the Phillies’ losing streak would end at one. 

In the process, he made something quite obvious: He is (finally) back to normal. 

Oswalt, who, before tonight had a 4.15 ERA since returning from his back injury earlier this month, dominated the Washington Nationals on Saturday night, throwing eight strong innings without forfeiting a run. He fanned nine batters in the process, with his fastball hovering between 92-94 mph the whole night, lowering his overall ERA to 3.51. According to him, the back is feeling "better and better." 

Jimmy Rollins called Oswalt’s performance “absolutely nasty,” and “vintage Roy.” 

The start comes after an unusual 24 hours for Oswalt, who had gone through his warmup routine before Friday night’s game, which he was originally scheduled to pitch, before being pulled due to a lengthy rain delay.  Oswalt didn’t throw one pitch, but was credited for an appearance. 

Obviously not fazed by the change in schedule, Oswalt joked with reporters about the situation after the game. 

“It was the first time I’ve started games back-to-back,” he said. “I told them if they keep doing that they’re going to have to pay me more.” 

The start likely guarantees (if it was ever a real question) Oswalt a spot in the postseason rotation, provided the team makes it past the best-of-five first-round series in which teams only really need three starters. Barring a complete September collapse from Oswalt, it would be nearly impossible to justify pitching rookie Vance Worley over a veteran star with as much playoff experience as Oswalt. 

For the 2012 season, a mutual option remains on the table for Oswalt and the Phillies. However, with his yearly salary at a hefty $16 million, it's unlikely the Phillies will bring him back for another run with the team. 

But right now, at a time when there are lingering concerns regarding Cole Hamels' shoulder, and October finds itself right around the corner, four aces sounds a hell of a lot better than three.