NewsVictorino in Phils lineup for Game 6
Center fielder assures Manuel bruised finger not an issue
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
11/04/09 4:52 PM EST
NEW YORK -- Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino will play Wednesday night in Game 6 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Victorino, who will hit second, suffered a bruise to his right index finger Monday in Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park when Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett hit him with a pitch in the first inning. Victorino remained in the game until the eighth inning.
X-rays on Victorino's right index finger were negative.
"He said he can move his finger. The swelling has gone down," Manuel said. "He said he can hold a bat. He said he can grip the ball. That's what I took and that's what it is. If there's any problem, I'll take him out of the game."
Ben Francisco will start in left field and hit eighth. Raul Ibanez will be the team's designated hitter.
Manuel also said every pitcher is available to pitch Wednesday, except left-hander Cliff Lee.
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
