Lidge is Back, But is He?
By DAN STAMM
Updated 12:30 PM EST, Thu, Jun 25, 2009
The Phillies activated closer Brad Lidge from the disabled list Thursday. Lidge’s balky knee might be better but what about his psyche?
To make room for Lidge the Phils optioned lefty Sergio Escalona to Triple-A.
Lidge went 0-3 with a 7.27 ERA, 13 saves and six blown saves in 28 relief appearances so far in 2009. He was so bad before going on the DL that he made made Chan Ho Park look like a Cy Young candidate.
The stumbling Phillies need relief and Lidge was one of the best relievers last season.
Every Phils fan knew what an important part Lidge was to the 2008 World Champions -- heck the guy was perfect. So, we must hope that he can be anywhere near lights out again.
Maybe the right-handed, slide-piece specialist turned a corner. Maybe his time on the DL allowed not only his knee to heal but also his mind.
He looked good in the minor-league rehab assignments. He threw two scoreless innings while striking out two. But, that wasn’t against Major-League batters.
How good Lidge can be is known -- how good he will be will only be known with time.
First Published: Jun 25, 2009 11:17 AM EST
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