"During the last week of June, when shortstop Jimmy Rollins was stuck in a career-worst slump, he was benched for four games and even told to sit out batting practice, a strategy designed to clear his mind.

Left fielder Raul Ibanez isn't getting the Jimmy Rollins treatment.

But Ibanez, hitless in 14 at-bats and 10-for-78 (.128) with one home run in his last 32 games (113 at-bats), wasn't in the Phillies' lineup Friday night for the opener of a four-game series against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Manager Charlie Manuel said it was a routine night off for his struggling left fielder against tough Houston lefty Wandy Rodriguez.

"It's two different situations," Manuel said, comparing Ibanez and Rollins. "I tried about everything with Jimmy, and finally, we decided we were going to give him four, five days off. Raul's had some down time. That may be his problem. I think he needs to play in games to get out of it. In a game is when you get your timing. That's kind of how I see it."

Manuel said Ibanez will be in the lineup tonight.

The start of Ibanez's slide coincided with his return from the disabled list July 11, after he had missed three weeks with a left groin strain. Ibanez maintains his groin is healthy, but Manuel noted the Phillies have monitored his injury and given him periodic rest."