Dugout gets big laugh as Manuel tells injured Ross Gload to 'take a Gload off'

Philadelphia, PA--The Phillies suffered yet another injury last night as first baseman Ross Gload, filling in for the injured Ryan Howard, strained a groin while running to second on a sixth-inning double. Despite what feels like a record number of Phillies on the Disabled List (DL) this season, the team finds itself only 2.5 games out of first place, a credit to manager Charlie Manuel. His ability to keep the players relaxed, while facing adversity, was again evident last night. As the limping Gload approached the top of the dugout steps, with the help of a trainer, Manuel shouted: Hey Ross, sit down and take a Gload off. "I wanted to keep the dugout in good spirits, and, believe it or not, I thought of that line several weeks ago on a flight from Chicago to St Louis," said the Phillies' manager, now in his sixth year with the club. "Obviously, I didn't want Ross to ever get hurt, but, deep down, I couldn't wait to use that line. We all had a good laugh ... even Ross." Players and coaches promised to use the line on the next guy to get hurt.