Hip soreness for Papelbon, but nothing serious

PHILADELPHIA -- Ears perked up Wednesday when manager Charlie Manuel said on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that closer Jonathan Papelbon has some occasional soreness in his hip.

Papelbon is 2-0 with a 4.09 ERA and four blown saves in 10 opportunities in his last 11 appearances.

"Every now and then, like when you work him a lot or when he works out, things like that, he has a little soreness in his hip, but it's definitely not serious," Manuel said. "It hasn't been serious. Usually, like a day off or a day of rest or something like that, and he can bounce right back."

Papelbon said it's nothing more than usage.

"It's when you throw five out of seven days," Papelbon said. "It comes with the territory. It's the life of a closer."

He said it has nothing to do with his recent struggles.

"My arm actually feels incredible," he said. "I don't know why. Earlier in the season, my arm felt worse than my lower half. Now my lower half feels worse than my arm."