Lidge sidelined for second straight game
The Phillies were without closer Brad Lidge for the second straight game against the Pirates. “I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about,” said manager Charlie Manuel. “It’s not what you’d call serious, but he’s definitely a little sore.”
From Paul Hagen at Citizens Bank Park ...
The Phillies were without closer Brad Lidge for the second straight game against the Pirates.
"I don't think it's anything to be concerned about," said manager Charlie Manuel. "It's not what you'd call serious, but he's definitely a little sore."
Lidge, who is 28-for-28 in save opportunities this season, described the soreness as "bicep tendinitis," but also downplayed the seriousness of the problem. He's taking anti-inflammatory medication and said that, along with an adjustment in his mechanics, should allow him to begin pitching again as soon as Monday night in Los Angeles.
"(Pitching coach Rich) Dubee said, 'I looked at your mechanics the last couple and you're definitely rushing out in front and your arm isragging behind, and that's what's causing pressure on your shoulder.' I'll work on ironing that out and giving it some rest, then come back strong," he predicted.
The first indication that something was wrong came Saturday night when Chad Durbin, not Lidge, came into a save situation in the ninth inning.