Relievers Brad Lidge and Scott Eyre, and outfielder Raul Ibanez, will undergo surgery this week, the Phillies said last night.
Lidge, the closer who struggled in 2009 after a perfect 2008, will have a "loose body" removed from his right elbow on Wednesday. He also will have a tendon evaluated.
Lidge, 32, a righthander, spent time on the disabled list in June with a sprained right knee and battled inflammation in the knee for much of the season, but general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Friday that the knee was no longer a concern.
Eyre, 37, will have a loose body removed from his left elbow tomorrow, after which he and the Phillies will face a decision on his future. Eyre is strongly considering retirement, but has expressed interest in returning to the Phils for one more season.
The team has not yet decided whether to offer the lefthander a contract, and surely will monitor his health before moving forward.
Ibanez, who clearly was hobbled as his performance declined after the all-star break, will have surgery tomorrow to repair a sports hernia.
Before the break, the 37-year-old leftfielder batted .309, with 22 home runs. He went on the disabled list in late June with what he and the team called a groin strain, and batted just .232, with 12 homers, in the second half.
All three players are expected to recover in time for the beginning of next season.
Contact staff writer Andy Martino at 215-854-4874 or amartino@phillynews.com.
