Phils skipper Charlie Manuel cautioned that when Lidge does return, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of Jose Contreras as closer. The Cuban has gone 3 for 3 in save opportunities and currently has an 0.63 ERA in 16 relief appearances.
Manuel said that the situation will largely depend on how Lidge performs moving forward, but gives credit to Contreras to making a seamless transition to the bullpen. “We’re trying to build him up where he can go at least 3 or 4 days in a row,” said Manuel. “That’s a process, but stuff-wise, what he’s done so far, he’s been very good, and he’s got the talent to pitch at the end of the game and to be a closer.”