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Phillies closer Brad Lidge is expected to miss three to six weeks while recovering from shoulder trouble.
Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that the right-handed reliever will not need surgery to fix the problem.
The NL East champions open the season at home Friday against Houston. With Lidge shelved, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he's leaning towards using Jose Contreras as his closer. Ryan Madson could also fill the role.
"Right now, if I had to choose, Jose Contreras would be the closer," Manuel told phillysportsdaily.com before Tuesday's exhibition game at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies enter the season with a strong rotation, but injuries are already taking a toll. All-Star second baseman Chase Utley, third baseman Placido Polanco and right fielder Domonic Brown all were banged up during spring training.
Source: AP
Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Tuesday that the right-handed reliever will not need surgery to fix the problem.
The NL East champions open the season at home Friday against Houston. With Lidge shelved, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he's leaning towards using Jose Contreras as his closer. Ryan Madson could also fill the role.
"Right now, if I had to choose, Jose Contreras would be the closer," Manuel told phillysportsdaily.com before Tuesday's exhibition game at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies enter the season with a strong rotation, but injuries are already taking a toll. All-Star second baseman Chase Utley, third baseman Placido Polanco and right fielder Domonic Brown all were banged up during spring training.
Source: AP