FanPost

Phillies Place Placido Polanco on Disabled List, Activate Ryan Madson

The Phillies have placed All-Star third baseman Placido Polanco on the 15 day disabled list due to a bulging disc in his lower back, retroactive to July 5th, and simultaneously activated relief pitcher Ryan Madson.

The way things were going, if the Phillies miss Polanco, it won't be for his bat: His .216/.276/.261 line since May 1st isn't going to get it done, no matter how many times he doesn't strike out and puts the bat on the ball and moves the runner and plays the game the right way.

Wilson Valdez will get the bulk of the playing time filling in for Polanco until his return.

Madson will slot back in as the Phillies closer, taking over for Antonio Bastardo who did an admirable job filling in for the boss while he was out.

Everyone wonders why signing mid-30s players to long-term deals as policy isn't the best idea. Older players get hurt more often, it's as simple as that. Then you're relying on the likes of Wilson Valdez.