Phillies RHP Halladay leaves start because of heat

[July 19, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay left Monday night's 6-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs because of the steamy conditions at Wrigley Field.

Team spokesman Greg Casterioto said Halladay "absolutely" expects to make his next start against San Diego on Sunday. The pitcher wasn't available for comment after the game.

Meanwhile, the Phillies plan to activate outfielder Shane Victorino, out with a sprained right thumb, from the 15-day disabled list when he's eligible on Tuesday after they optioned infielder Pete Orr to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following the game.

As for Halladay, he doubled over after allowing Starlin Castro's leadoff single in the fifth inning, then was visited by a trainer. Drew Carpenter came in to replace him.

The right-hander was drenched in sweat on a humid night that included a game-time temperature of 91 degrees. The Phillies said the heat was responsible for Halladay's shortest outing since he pitched three innings for Toronto against Florida on June 12, 2009.

The early exit ended Halladay's string of 63 road starts in which he lasted at least six innings. It was the longest such streak since Walter Johnson went 82 straight road starts from 1911-15.

Halladay gave up three runs and seven hits and took his first loss since May 15. It was his first outing since starting for the National League in last week's All-Star game and pitching two perfect innings.

[Associated Press]

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