Brad Lidge just can't seem to escape injury, and making matters worse, his latest injury may be worse than first thought.
The Phillies closer told Martin Frank of The News Journal that he has a partially torn rotator cuff in his right throwing shoulder, and he won't be throwing a ball for three to six weeks. It was initially reported that Lidge would only miss three to six weeks of action, but he has revealed that he's now hopeful that he can be back on the mound sometime during the season's second half.
Lidge made it clear that he was thankful that it wasn't his labrum, in which case it would be "game over" for his 2011 season, but he still said he was obviously feeling pretty "crappy" about the news.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel indicated that at least for now, former Yankees pitcher Jose Contreras would be used as the team's closer instead of Ryan Madson.
Of course, if Lidge is out for even longer than already expected, the team may have to make a move for a reliever. That may end up having to be the case, as the Phillies' bullpen was questionable to begin with even before the injury to Lidge.
Lidge didn't appear in a game until April 30 last season after undergoing offseason elbow surgery.
