A sense of relief wafted through the Phillies’ clubhouse yesterday after it was learned an MRI on Raul Ibanez showed his groin injury was no more severe than the team announced on Thursday.

A club spokesman said before last night’s game against Baltimore the results of the MRI were consistent with the original diagnosis – a strained left groin.

Ibanez, who ranks third in the majors in home runs (22) and runs batted in (59) and is batting .312, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday. The 37-year-old leftfielder is undergoing rehabilitation treatments.

“I’m feeling better,” Ibanez said. “I expect to continue to progress.”

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Ibanez probably won’t swing a bat for about a week. Manuel also recognizes that groin injuries are tricky, and it’s difficult to know whether or not Ibanez will be ready to return after his 15 days on the DL are up. Manuel also indicated he will likely give Ibanez time off now and then once he returns in an attempt to prevent him from aggravating the injury.

“I think he’ll be back, and I hope it’s when his time is up on the DL,” Manuel said. “I think he might need a break now and then, and I think we’ll kind of have to monitor that, but I think he’ll play.” -philly.com

Just what we needed right?  The one guy that helped carry this team so far to get injured.  Mayberry is good and all but lets hope he can continue being productive right now.  We really need to go out there and grab a starting pitcher before the trade deadline.  Raul rest it and come back because we are going to need you for sure down the stretch!