Zambrano leaves Triple-A start with shoulder pain

LOS ANGELES -- Triple-A Lehigh Valley right-hander Carlos Zambrano left after two innings Friday because of what the Phillies called "serious pain" in his right shoulder.

Zambrano can ask for his release if he is not put on the big league roster by Monday, but Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that is not expected to happen.

"We were going to continue to evaluate him," he said. "I mean, he's pitched OK. He hasn't lit it up. I think he's a guy who at some point could have helped us. We'll have to see what the diagnosis is."

Amaro said he sees Zambrano as a starter, although pitching as a reliever hasn't been ruled out.