Charlie Manuel concerned with Roy Halladay’s spring struggles

Last week we told you that Roy Halladay’s velocity was down during a spring outing against the Washington Nationals. Though he had success in that start (facing only one Nats starter), his velocity was down again Tuesday and this time he struggled.

Halladay gave up seven runs, six hits, four walks, and two home runs in 2.2 innings against a Detroit Tigers lineup that did not include Prince Fielder or Miguel Cabrera. He reportedly was only throwing in the mid-80s during the appearance. The poor outing and overall struggles have caused Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to be concerned.

“Yeah, it concerns me,” Manuel said, per David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News. “But at the same time, I been in the game long enough to know that if there’s nothing wrong with him, you keep working with him. If he’s healthy and well and there’s nothing wrong with him, then he’s gotta get stretched out and everything.”

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee seemed to be even more concerned.

“I don’t know where he is going to get back to,” Dubee said, via Murphy. “I don’t. Who does? I don’t have a crystal ball, but I know that his work ethic is still there, his desire is still there, so I’ll take my chances.”

Dubee saying he does not know where Halladay will get back to is a response to the pitcher returning from different injuries last season (lat, shoulder, back).

Halladay has certainly given us many reasons to believe in him, but the low velocity sure is a concern. He might be stiff, sore, or holding back during spring training, but you have to wonder why he’s not closer to being in top form with the season starting in a few weeks.

H/T Hardball Talk