Victorino placed on DL, Snelling called up

At least for today, the Phillies are going to be without their two table setters at the top of the line up. Jimmy Rollins has been out for the last five games but is expected to return Tuesday when the Phillies play the Astros. Shane Victorino was injured in yesterday's game, and his strained right calf earned him a trip to the 15 day disabled list. Taking his place on the roster will be outfielder Chris Snelling, who was called up from the Iron Pigs.

The loss of Victorino effects the Phillies in a few ways. Expect Jayson Werth, So Taguchi and Chris Snelling to share time in centerfield while Victorino is out. As for who the lead-off hitter will be until Rollins returns, Charlie Manuel has been forced to get creative. My initial guess was that Jayson Werth would take over the top spot, but word is that Geoff Jenkins will be masquerading as a lead-off hitter in today's game.

On the positive side, Snelling gets an opportunity to show that he belongs on the big club. He's an upgrade over anyone the Phillies would have called up last year, like Chris Roberson. If Snelling plays well, he could either stick with the Phils or give them another trading chip since he would probably have to clear waivers again if he went down.

With Victorino out, the defense in the outfield suffers a bit, and the Phillies line-up looks to be filled with all power hitters and very little speed. Hopefully Victorino can prove that he can stay healthy, something that he has yet to do in his career, so he can provide that missing element.