Michael Martinez and Pete Orr will start at shortstop and second base, respectively, when the Phillies attempt to finish off a four-game sweep at Miller Park today.


The backup second baseman today? Third baseman Placido Polanco. The backup third baseman? Catcher Carlos Ruiz. The backup shortstop? Jimmy Rollins.


Rollins, whose last start came three weeks ago today, made his first appearance in a game in 20 days on Saturday night. He replaced Wilson Valdez in the top of the 10th inning, two innings after Valdez suffered a left hamstring injury.

The plan for Rollins is to return to the starting lineup Monday in Houston; he's available to play today, but Charlie Manuel wanted to give his starting shortstop one more day.

Valdez may also be available tomorrow. He was in good spirits Sunday morning.

"I think maybe tomorrow," Valdez said of when he's be able to play.

Of course, Chase Utley isn't even with the team; he's back in Philly - and may remain there for the rest of the trip - following Wednesday's concussion.

If anyone out there thought way back in spring training that Michael Martinez and Pete Orr would start at second and short on Sept. 11, when most teams are in the middle of a pennant race, well.... no one thought that.

Following Saturday night's extra-inning win over the NL Central-leading Brewers, the Phils hold a 12-game lead in the NL East - the largest lead of any division leader in baseball. Because of that, they can afford to continue to play it safe with an assortment of injuries. (Ryan Howard has rested his left foot in two of the last three games).

And this is pretty funny, too: the Phils can clinch a spot in the postseason with a win and a Cardinals loss today... with Martinez and Orr at short and second.

Magic number to clinch a playoff spot: 2

Magic number to clinch NL East: 7