The potential National League Most Valuable Player candidate was penciled in once again as the Phillies' starting shortstop in Sunday's finale against the Nationals. Rollins started all 162 games this season, joining Bill Russell and Leo Cardenas as the only other NL shortstops to accomplish the feat. Russell did it for the Dodgers in 1973, while Cardenas achieved the mark for the Reds in 1964.

In addition, Rollins joined Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and Braves right fielder Jeff Francoeur as the only NL players to start all 162 games this season.

Rollins already surpassed Willie Wilson's mark of 705 at-bats for the Royals in 1980. Entering Sunday's game, Rollins had amassed 713 at-bats.

"I say it every day," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He's done about everything a guy could do. I don't know what else you could do, unless he wants to sell tickets and sell popcorn."

A welcome return: The Phillies made what appeared to be a relatively minor transaction when they purchased the contract of left-handed reliever J.C. Romero on June 29. Romero had just been designated for assignment by the Red Sox before joining the Phillies.

That move by general manager Pat Gillick wound up turning into one of the best deals of the season.

Romero has tossed 13 2/3 scoreless innings over his last 19 outings entering Sunday's game. Over his last 22 appearances, he has limited opponents to a .059 average (3-for-51).

Romero is a free agent after the season, but would be thrilled to return to the Phillies in 2008.

"I've enjoyed everything about being in Philadelphia," said Romero, who has a slim 1.99 ERA. "I've enjoyed my time here."

Hot ticket: Five hundred standing room tickets went on sale at 9 a.m. ET on Sunday for the Nationals-Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. After the ticket windows opened, all 500 seats were sold out in 18 minutes.

It was the 24th sellout of the season and the 38th crowd of more than 40,000.

Earlier is better: Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand was obviously unhappy about the 4-2 loss to the Nationals on Saturday, which dropped them into a first-place tie with the Mets in the National League East.

He was already looking forward to Sunday's finale in more ways than one. Believe it or not, the 1:35 p.m. ET starting time was a big positive.

"The 3:55 [p.m.] game on FOX is tough because of the shadows," Rowand said. "I had trouble seeing pitches. Really, until my third at-bat, I didn't see a pitch well. You can't complain about it, because both teams have to deal with the same thing."

Potential help on the way: Phillies reliever Ryan Madson hasn't appeared in a game since July 29, when he strained his right shoulder. If the Phillies make the playoffs and move past at least the NL Division Series, the lanky righty could rejoin the club.

Madson was 2-2 with one save and a 3.05 ERA in 38 games before suffering the ailment.

Madson said he could be ready by Oct. 10, if necessary.