Halladay rounding into form in rehab

A lot has changed since Roy Halladay last pitched for the Phillies on May 5, but the 36-year-old still knows how to deliver a quality start.

Halladay allowed two runs -- one earned -- on seven hits and three walks while striking out four in six innings as Class A Lakewood defeated Hagerstown, 3-2, on Tuesday at FirstEnergy Park.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner tossed 52 of his 90 pitches for strikes in his second rehab start since returning from right shoulder surgery. He allowed three runs on six hits in six innings Aug. 15 for the Gulf Coast League Phillies and also threw a simulated game against Phillies' Minor Leaguers on Aug. 10.

"I still feel like there's more in there. I'm just very cautious of making sure I'm repeating my mechanics correctly right now. I want to try to add on until I'm repeating every time," Halladay said.

The 6-foot-6 right-hander focused on his array of moving fastballs, which helped him win 201 games and post a 3.37 ERA in 2,721 2/3 innings over 16 seasons for the Blue Jays and Phillies.

"We threw the 85 percent cutters and sinkers today. I thought for the most part the location was pretty good," Halladay said. "There were times when I would get in a groove and I'd miss two or three, but really for the most part, they were on the halves of the plate that I wanted them to [be on]. We were able to work both sides of the plate moreso than in the [simulated] game."

The two-time 20-game winner has come back from shoulder issues before, so he knows better than to rush his return and cause a setback.

"I am not going to get too far ahead of myself, but I feel good. I feel like each time has gotten better and better, so as long as I continue in that direction, I'm fine with that," he said.

The rehab process has gone relatively smoothly thus far for the 1995 first-round pick.

"I haven't had a lot of soreness the day after I pitch," Halladay told MLB.com. "I really think things are coming along well. I wanted to throw 100 pitches, but they had me scheduled for 90.

"When I get back is not in my control. It's their call, but I'm confident."

Lee Ridenhour (1-0) picked up the win by allowing two hits and striking out three in three scoreless innings of relief.

No. 11 Phillies prospect Larry Greene doubled, singled and scored a run.