Brad Lidge Out Until All-Star Break

Added on Apr 08, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

The Phillies boast the deadliest stable of starting pitchers in baseball, but their bullpen will be significantly thinned for the next three months. Closer Brad Lidge could be out until at least the All-Star break with a strained posterior rotator cuff. It’s not known when he’ll be cleared to throw again, but once he does he’ll need three to six weeks before returning to game action.

Lidge was integral to the Phillies World Series run in 2008, finishing a perfect 41 for 41 in regular season save opportunities and 7 for 7 in the postseason, including the championship-sealing Game 5 versus Tampa Bay. Since then he has struggled with consistency and injuries, although he did finish the 2010 campaign strongly, converting 17 of his last 18 saves.

Replacing Lidge won’t be easy. For now, manager Charlie Manuel will use Jose Contreras to fill the void in his bullpen. Contreras has been a starter for most of his eight years, going 77-67. He entered 2011 with only five career saves, but did pick up his first of the season on Wednesday against the Mets. Barring a complete collapse, he’ll be the primary closer.

The Phillies are off to a fast 5-1 start. They begin a three-game weekend series tonight versus division rival Atlanta at Turner Field.

Source: ESPN.com