"In the end, all that handwringing about Roy Halladay getting too much rest proved to be much ado about nothing.

Halladay was brilliant Tuesday night. He pitched seven shutout innings and chipped in with a three-run double as the Phillies rolled to a 9-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Brad Lidge and Mike Schwimer completed the Phils' majors-best 18th shutout. After the game, Schwimer was optioned back to Triple A as the team cleared a roster spot for left-handed pinch-hitter John Bowker, who, according to sources, was acquired from Pittsburgh just 24 hours before the deadline for gaining postseason eligibility.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s latest attempt to fortify his roster for the stretch drive and beyond came as his club was playing one of its best games of the season.

Pitching on eight days' rest instead of the customary four after a series of rainouts, Halladay dazzled on the mound. He held the Reds to two hits, while striking out nine. At 16-5 with a 2.47 ERA, he is very much in the hunt for his second straight NL Cy Young Award."