Phillies Notes: Lee Not Cleared, Howard and Kendrick Snap Streaks

Before the Phillies' 9-0 win over the Rockies on Monday, GM Ruben Amaro Jr., provided a little unwanted news – Cliff Lee was evaluated by Phillies' medical personnel on Monday and hasn't been cleared to resume throwing.

“He’s improved,” Amaro told CSNPhilly.com. “He’s just not ready to throw yet. He’s feeling less soreness than he did, but there is some soreness.”

The hope and belief is this is nothing more than normal soreness and the plan calls for him to be reevaluated in three days.

Lee was diagnosed with a Grade 1/2 flexor strain of his left elbow earlier this month and there's no clear timetable for his return.

I’m worried that he’s not pitching because we need him," Amaro said.  "But overall, he’s improved. It just takes time.”

Notes

• With Monday's win against the Rockies, the Phillies are four games below .500. They are 22-26 on the year, 10-14 at home.

• We saw the end of two notable streaks – Ryan Howard hit a home run for the first time since May 8.  It was his eighth home run of the season, putting him on pace 24 home runs and 86 RBI, and Kyle Kendrick pitched into the seventh inning to earn his first win since last Aug. 6, a span of 16 winless starts.