Phillies' utility man Dobbs returns home with flu

Phillies utility man Greg Dobbs has returned to Philadelphia before Game 2 of the World Series because he has the flu.

Dobbs was a candidate to be the designated hitter against Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett in Thursday night's game, but Matt Stairs got the nod in his absence.

Dobbs is 0 for 4 in the postseason. The infielder/outfielder hit .247 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 154 at-bats this season.