Phillies Insider: Manuel Will Monitor Gordon

According to various Philadelphia media outlets, including Phillies.com, Charlie Manuel plans to ease Tom "Flash" Gordon's workload in the coming weeks leading into the All-Star break.

The 40-year-old set-up man was last seen Wednesday night, when he worked himself into a ninth-inning jam before Dan Uggla belted a walk-off grand slam to give the Florida Marlins a 6-2 win.

"I think this is a time where it's very important that we watch Gordon," Manuel said. "I don't want to be sending Gordon out there three or four nights in a row. I figure he might could go a couple. But this is a time of the year when we want to keep him strong."

Gordon's had only a few poor outings this season. Throw away the Opening Day disaster -- when he allowed five earned runs on five hits in 1/3 inning -- and Wednesday's outing, Gordon has an ERA just over 2.00.

Like always, Manuel has a great "feel" for his players. Flash has been used a lot lately, and over the last two seasons, he has struggled during the mid months of the schedule due to normal wear and tear. It's a good idea that someone with as much mileage as Flash isn't overworked.

Last year, for example, Gordon was placed on the disabled list and eased back into his eighth-inning role. He was superb during the Phillies' September run to the division title because he was relatively fresh.

Right now, Manuel can afford to let Gordon rest. The Phillies, who have the best bullpen ERA in baseball, are receiving quality performances from Chad Durbin, Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero, each of whom can pitch the eighth inning when Gordon needs to sit.

Every team's biggest concern is bullpen and the extend to which it is worked throughout the course of a season. Obviously, the Phillies have a great situation going for them. The starting pitching has been rock solid and the relievers are rested.

But there's still plenty of season left and anything can happen.