Knee and elbow surgeries during the off season delayed Brad Lidge’s 2010 debut. After recording his first save of the season on Monday, it appeared as though the Phillies’ closer was finally back.
Following a light game of catch at Coors Field on Tuesday, however, Lidge is heading back to Philadelphia to visit the team doctor.
“It really didn’t go as well as I would have liked,” Lidge said, speaking of Tuesday’s throwing session.
Lidge will be unavailable for the next few days as he’s being examined by team doctors in Philly. It’s not yet known if another DL stint is in Lidge’s immediate future.
Ryan Madson would normally fill in as the team’s closer in Lidge’s absence. A broken toe, however, will keep Madson on the shelf for the next two months.
Jose Contreras has been the Phillies’ most impressive reliever thus far, making him the favorite for saves. In 11 2/3 innings this season, the 38-year-old has a 0.77 ERA and 0.60 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and one walk. He may be unavailable for Wednesday’s doubleheader, however, as he pitched on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Phillies management hinted on Tuesday that Danys Baez may get a chance to close as well. Baez is 1-1 with 6.43 ERA and 1.36 through 14 innings thus far, but has the most closing experience with 114 career saves to his name.
Chad Durbin’s performances makes him a candidate to close as well, but Contreras is the guy to add for now. Keep an eye on this situation as more information surfaces. If Lidge is forced to the DL again, Contreras becomes a must add in all leagues.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS
Follow Fantasy Baseball Insiders on Facebook & Twitter
Fantasy Baseball Insiders Tonight updates:
- 5/10: Who The Heck Is Brennan Boesch?
- 5/4: Is Yankees’ Pitcher A.J. Burnett Really This Good?
- 5/3: Red Sox’s Mike Lowell Turns Back the Clock
- 4/28: Who The Heck is Luis Atilano?
- 4/27: Who The Heck is Cliff Pennington?
More from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:
- What’s Wrong With Josh Beckett?
- Padres’ Kyle Blanks, Reds’ Drew Stubbs Headline 2010 All-Breakout Team
Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ Prospect Report:
- Does Rangers’ Justin Smoak Have Fantasy Value in 2010?
- Does Mets’ Ike Davis Have Fantasy Value in 2010?
More 2010 Fantasy Baseball Insiders Player Projections:
- Cole Hamels
- Livan Hernandez
- Mike Pelfrey
- Delmon Young
- Drew Stubbs
- Nolan Reimold
- Jay Bruce
- Geovany Soto
- B.J. Upton
- Shin-Soo Choo
- Matt Wieters
Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ Inbox:
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com