Oblique problems persist

Clay Condrey has been sidelined by injury for the second time in a month.

Condrey was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a reoccurence of his strained left oblique.

Condrey told reporters the injury is “not as bad” this time around.

Kyle Kendrick was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Condrey’s spot in the bullpen.

Condrey is the third Phillies reliever to hit the DL in the matter of days, joining Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero.

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In other bullpen news, Andrew Carpenter was sent back down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley because he has pitched in consecutive days and the team needs some fresh arms. Steven Register, who was claimed off waivers from the Rockies in May, will take Carpenter’s spot.

The Phillies have called up Rodrigo Lopez from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Antonio Bastardo’s spot in the starting rotation.

Lopez will make his season debut Friday against the New York Mets.

The 33-year-old right-hander was 5-4 with a 3.91 ERA in 13 starts with the Iron Pigs this season.

The journeyman is 65-65 with a 4.80 ERA lifetime in the major leagues. He has pitched for the Rockies, Orioles, Royals and Padres

The Phillies have yet to name a replacement for injured starting pitcher Antonio Bastardo, who was recently placed on the 15-day disabled list.

The team has scoured the trade market to no avail. Thus, it appears the Phillies will make a roster decision within the organization.

For now, J.A. Happ has been moved up a day to fill Bastardo’s schedule spot in the rotation Thursday night in the series finale against the Braves.

However, the Phils will need a fifth starter ASAP. Chances are it will be either Andrew Carpenter, who was up for a cup of coffee last month, or top prospect Carlos Carrasco, both of whom are pitching for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

While the Phils are high on Carpenter’s potential, Carrasco is the sexier pick to fill the void in the rotation. After a sluggish start, the hard-throwing right-hander has excelled in recent outings.

Nevertheless, the Phillies will continue to look for a trade partner leading up to the July 31 trade deadline. And starting pitching remains top priority.