Injuries to Lee, Ruiz may affect Deadline deals

MILWAUKEE -- Ruben Amaro Jr. said something fairly obvious Thursday morning at Miller Park when asked about the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

"If you have guys who are hurt, they don't move anywhere," Amaro said. "If guys aren't performing, they don't move. We have some guys who are performing, so we'll see how much interest there is in guys."

One of the injured is left-hander Cliff Lee, who has been on the disabled list since May with a strained left elbow. He made his second rehab start Wednesday with Class A Advanced Clearwater, and he is expected to make a third on Monday.

"I talked to him afterward," Amaro said. "He said he felt fine."

Lee could rejoin the Phillies shortly after the All-Star break, which could give him three starts before the Deadline.

Carlos Ruiz has been on the DL since June 27 with a concussion. He has been cleared to begin baseball activities. He will be with the team this weekend in Philadelphia before heading to Clearwater, Fla., to continue his rehab.

"He may start catching in some games, but we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves," Amaro said. "He's doing good. His exams have been good."

Catcher Wil Nieves, who has been on the DL since June 19 with a strained right quadriceps, is still feeling some soreness and tightness. He has not caught nine innings in a game yet, which will be a requirement before he is activated.