Spinal surgeon Dr. Drew Dossett on Friday confirmed the original diagnosis on Roy Oswalt's back that the righty has a bulging disk but nothing ruptured. Oswalt will continue to be treated with some more injections and could be ready to begin a throwing program soon. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said this past week that the right-hander could make it back by the end of July. August is probably more likely, though.

Roy Oswalt will meet with spine surgeon Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas on Friday to receive a second opinion on his back. An MRI revealed last week that Oswalt has a mild bulging disk in his back. He wants to make sure he can begin a strengthening program and pitch again without rupturing a disc and needing surgery. Assuming he doesn't hear any bad news, the veteran right-hander will likely receive a series of injections to kick his rehab process into gear. As of now, he's expected to be sidelined until August.

Roy Oswalt (back) is likely out until August. The veteran right-hander was diagnosed Saturday with a mild bulging disk in his lower back and admitted to reporters that he is worried about blowing it out. It's likely that the National League East-leading Phillies will tread cautiously with Oswalt, who has posted a 3.79 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 71 1/3 innings this season. Kyle Kendrick and Vance Worley will continue to fill in.

Phillies placed RHP Roy Oswalt on the 15-day disabled list with lower-back tightness. The move ensures that Oswalt will miss at least his next two starts, while buying the Phillies time to figure out just how severe his injury really is. He is set to undergo an MRI on Monday. Scott Mathieson will take his place on the 25-man roster, while both Kyle Kendrick and Vance Worley should now remain in the Phillies rotation for the foreseeable future.

Shortly after exiting Thursday's game early with lower back tightness, Roy Oswalt acknowledged that the chronic ailment could end his career at some point. Oswalt said he has continued pitching despite the discomfort because "I don't want to be labeled a quitter." Additionally, he realized during Thursday's game that he "was not helping the team. I'm kind of a liability more than anything." The veteran starter isn't sure whether another cortisone injection will help, but also suggested that he would get fixed whatever needs fixing. With an MRI coming Monday, Oswalt will have time to consider his options before learning the results. Until then, it sounds like every conceivable scenario is on the table.

Roy Oswalt (back) will not make his next start and seems likely to land on the 15-day disabled list. Oswalt has been struggling with lower back problems since early May and was forced from his Thursday evening start against the Cardinals with renewed discomfort. The right-hander will undergo an MRI on Monday morning before any roster moves are made. He's allowed 15 earned runs in his last 21 1/3 innings.

Roy Oswalt was pulled from Thursday's game against the Cardinals due to lower back tightness. Oswalt surrendered four earned runs in two innings before exiting. He did not allow a a walk but struck out just one batter and allowed five hits. The right-hander spent time on the disabled list earlier this season with back issues. It's not known if Thursday's tightness is related.

The Phillies and Roy Oswalt himself insist that the right-hander is healthy despite a string of so-so outings. Oswalt thinks he's "thrown the ball pretty well" despite a fastball that's clearly not at the level we're used to seeing from him. Manager Charlie Manuel is confident Oswalt will turn things around soon. "He'll come out pretty soon, and his fastball will be back where it was," Manuel said. "There comes a time when the fastball, all of it isn't there sometimes. It's how your arm feels and how you're throwing. It's like a hitter not hitting. It's just a matter of time until you see his fastball jump up. There's nothing wrong with him. I think it'll come."

Roy Oswalt gave up four runs over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the Mariners on Friday. More mediocrity from Oswalt. He's doing the best he can with diminished stuff while hoping that his fastball comes back. He's worth hanging on to in mixed leagues, but he should be treated as a spot starter right now.