Phillies co-ace Cliff Lee hasn't pitched since April 18 because of a strained oblique, but he's on target to return to the rotation next week.
Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports that Lee will throw another bullpen session over the weekend and then come off the DL shortly thereafer (barring unexpected setback, of course). It's possible he could return in time to face the Mets at home next Wednesday.
“It’s slowly gotten better, but the last two days have been drastically better,” Lee said. “There are a couple of exercises where I barely feel it, but nothing when I throw. It’s pretty safe to say it’s done.”
Prior to the injury, Lee was off to an exceptional start in 2012: 23.0 IP, 1.96 ERA, 14 H, 18 K, 2 BB.
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