A couple of days ago I took Arthur Rhodes to task for not pitching in a game because of "shoulder stiffness." I wrote:
Let’s get this straight. The veteran lefty specialist couldn’t come into a September game that very well could affect the Phillies’ playoff chances because he shoulder was sore? He’s getting paid $3.7 million this season to pitch in those types of situations and his shoulder is sore?
Isn’t Rhodes the same guy who called out Cory Lidle for eating ice cream after games and pursuing off-field interests like poker and flying airplanes? Forget the fact that Lidle never missed a start during his time with the Phillies, except for the time when he had one pushed back to take care of a family emergency. In the end, it was Rhodes who didn’t answer the call.
If the Phillies fail to make it to the playoffs for the 13th straight October, they can blame the bullpen.
As it turns out there was something to that stiffness and it appears as if Rhodes will be out for the remainder of the season with an elbow injury. Since that's the case, I offer an apology for doubting Rhodes. Questioning injuries and integrity is never the right thing to do and I should know better.