Lidge to Start Season on Disabled List

It was announced Friday that Brad Lidge will join Chase Utley on the disabled list to kick off the 2011 season. Lidge made his return to the big club Wednesday after being out with soreness in his bicep tendons. He gave up one run on two hits (one a home run) and left the bases loaded in two-thirds of an inning.

Now Lidge is feeling a new soreness in the back part of his shoulder, and rather than take their chances, Ruben Amaro, Jr. & Co. made the decision to hold him back until he's completely healthy.

Said Amaro:

“It’s likely, it makes sense. He’s likely not going to start the season healthy. We’re going to be cautious with him. Again, it’s about the long haul more than the short term. We have to get him healthy.”

Lidge will see team physicial Michael Ciccotti in Clearwater on Saturday and have an MRI done on Saturday once the team arrives back in Philadelphia.

Currently the team has two somewhat obvious choices to fill in for Lidge as he rests up: Ryan Madson and Jose Contreras. Both have closed for the Phillies in recent history. Pin It Now!