Matt Gelb continues the recent trend of Phils beat reporters going hard at the team’s managerial and front office decisions. He questions the use of Mike Adams yesterday: [Philly.com]

There were questions as to why Adams was even at Fenway Park.

Originally, the team’s plan called for Adams to face hitters Friday at a controlled session in Clearwater, Fla. Then, Adams was scheduled to appear in a minor-league game Monday with the plan of activating him Wednesday. This is the agenda pitching coach Rich Dubee plotted.

Adams threw to hitters Friday and proclaimed himself fit. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, in a statement, that Adams was “a little rusty.” That did not dissuade them from activating him Sunday.

During Sunday’s loss, Adams briefly warmed in the bullpen. His action Monday came in the final moments of a rout.

“He needs work,” Manuel said. “He definitely needs work. The part that was discouraging was 30 pitches. That means that we can’t use him [Tuesday]. He threw some balls that were close and he ended up walking some.”

Not only did the Phillies use Adams in this blowout, they also called upon Antonio Bastardo and Justin De Fratus. Both pitchers threw short outings. For De Fratus, it was his second straight day he appeared. That could render him unavailable Tuesday. So if the Phillies hold an eighth-inning lead Tuesday, Bastardo will be asked to protect it on his second consecutive day of work.

It seems that, lately, the narrative coming from the beat reporters has been decidedly anti-Amaro and Manuel.