Phillies Notes: Phillies notes: Outfielders in short supply

NEW YORK - The Phillies will play this weekend with four outfielders, one of whom has been removed for a defensive replacement in more than half of his starts, and team officials disputed the notion that another was required.

Manager Charlie Manuel could be hamstrung in his late-game tactics. John Mayberry Jr. is the new starting centerfielder in the wake of Ben Revere's broken ankle. That leaves Laynce Nix as the only reserve.

"There are some things we're trying to do, I guess," Manuel said. "I think [the front office] can answer those things better than I can."

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. will join the team Sunday and travel for the remainder of the 10-day trip. Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock is here for the duration. Manuel said the team will "make a decision on what we're going to do in a couple of days," but Proefrock was less definitive.

Of course, the Phillies had four days during the all-star break to render a decision. They settled on four outfielders and three catchers for their roster at a crucial point in this season.

"I think we're in pretty good shape," Proefrock said. "Everybody should be well rested. We're good to go."

The issue is the Phillies do not possess a plausible minor-league outfield option. Cesar Hernandez, a second baseman by trade, played center field in the last week. Proefrock said that decision was made weeks ago because they want Hernandez to be a utility player in 2014. He is out of options next season.

Tyson Gillies is on the 40-man roster but has seesawed between double A and triple A. Leandro Castro is limited in experience. Jermaine Mitchell was released at the end of June and immediately signed with Minnesota.

Team officials labeled Kevin Frandsen and John McDonald as outfield options. They have played a combined 20 major-league games there.

Nix, a capable defender, becomes the backup in center. The sparingly used bench man could assume Mayberry's previous role of late-game replacement for Delmon Young. But Nix is Manuel's top lefthanded pinch-hitting threat.

That means Young could be a nine-inning player for the immediate future.

Mike Adams did not respond to the conservative treatment for numerous tears in his shoulder. He will likely undergo surgery that could sideline him for the beginning of 2014. Adams is owed $7 million next season.

Lefthander Jeremy Horst's season is likely over. Soreness in his elbow recurred during a rehab stint at triple-A Lehigh Valley. He visited noted orthopedist James Andrews for a second opinion and was injected with a platelet-rich plasma shot. He will not throw for at least six weeks.

Ryan Howard has begun his rehab from knee surgery. His stitches will be removed Tuesday. Phillies head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said Howard's "range of motion is back in full."

Roy Halladay (shoulder) threw from flat ground again Friday. He has yet to throw off a mound, but that could come soon. His return is still weeks away.

Mike Stutes is still experiencing biceps soreness. He was injected with cortisone and was shut down for another two weeks, at least.

Young received a $100,000 bonus Thursday because it was his 80th day on the active roster. With 18 more plate appearances, he will earn another $150,000 for reaching 250.