PHILADELPHIA — Cliff Lee’s perfect postseason might not be over yet.
Lee could earn a Game 7 start for the Philadelphia Phillies if they force the World Series to a decisive game against the New York Yankees.
“As far as my availability, I’m available,” Lee said.
The Phillies’ left-handed ace has been flawless in the postseason with a 4-0 record and a 1.56 earned-run average in five starts. Manager Charlie Manuel bypassed Lee for a Game 4 start on three days’ rest because he wanted to keep him on his regular schedule.
He wasn’t his usual dominant self taking his normal turn in Game 5 on Monday night. Lee had far from his best stuff and allowed five runs in seven-plus innings before his bullpen bailed him out in Philadelphia’s 8-6 win over the Yankees.
“It’s a game where I had to battle a little more than I’ve had to the past few games,” Lee said. “Thankfully we scored a lot of runs. We won, that’s the bottom line.”
Manuel said one reason he didn’t start Lee in Game 4 on short rest was because of concerns over Lee’s heavy workload.
Lee pitched 2312/3 innings for the Indians and Phillies this season, and another 401/3 innings in the playoffs. Lee, the Game 1 winner, has pitched at least seven innings in all five postseason starts.
Manuel’s philosophy might change if Game 6 starter Pedro Martinez can help the Phillies win Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium and tie the Series at 3.
Lee would usually throw a bullpen session on Thursday. Manuel might use him for a few innings on just two days’ rest.
“We don’t know about that yet,” Manuel said. “I’ll talk to him about what he thinks about if he can pitch at all or something.”
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