Storm clouds for Phils

Uh-Oh.

That’s the word that was emanating from Clearwater yesterday. The Phillies had sailed through spring training without much in the way of injuries.

The Gravy Train went off the tracks Thursday.

Already stung by news that Brad Lidge needed a cortisone shot in his ailing elbow, the Phils’ starting rotation got thrown a curve by Joe Blanton.

That tweak he felt in his side while throwing a side-session on Wednesday? It was an oblique strain.

And it is going to keep him on the shelf for most of April. He’s expected to miss 3-6 weeks.

The Phils come home to play their two-game “On Deck” series at Citizens Bank Park tonight and tomorrow afternoon. They will be greeted by Clearwater-like weather.

And a fan base that is developing a sudden case of the jitters.

Speaking of jitters, how about those Flyers!

Oh, they lost to the Islanders last night, the first time they’ve fall to them in the last 15 games.

They continue to tumble dangerously close to being out of the playoffs.

But hey, it’s going to be 80 degrees at the ballpark tonight. And maybe the mid-80s tomorrow afternoon.

Spring just leap-frogged to summer. Maybe by the time summer actually arrives both Blanton and Lidge will be back on the hill for the Phils.

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