ATLANTA -- Jimmy Rollins was back in his normal leadoff spot Friday night as the Phillies opened their weekend series with the Braves, his in-game benching the day before a closed matter.
The 2007 National League MVP took responsibility on Thursday for the lack of hustle that led to the move by manager Charlie Manuel, who said Friday that he still had high expectations for the shortstop.
"Jimmie's always stood up. He's a stand up guy," Manuel said. "That's what makes him a leader. He's a big part of what we're trying to achieve."
Rollins did not run out a ball in the third inning Thursday and was benched by Manuel the next inning, with Eric Bruntlett taking over at shortstop.
"He has two rules: to be on time and hustle," Rollins said after the 5-0 victory over Cincinnati in Philadelphia. "I broke one of them.
"I know better. Sometimes the manager gets you. I just have to go out there and make sure I don't do it again. It's something you learn from."
Manuel demands that his players hustle, and he showed that he doesn't play favorites by taking out Rollins.
"I've always had those rules," Manuel said. "It's kind of my pet peeve."
Rollins missed three weeks earlier in the season because of a sprained ankle suffered in April. He went into the series against the Braves batting .289 with three homers, 18 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
"It's my fault," Rollins said of his benching. "That's like breaking the law and getting mad when the police show up."
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