More bad news for the team most have predicted to represent the NL in the World Series. According to the usual suspects of Phillies reporters on Twitter (Gelb, Zolecki, Salisbury), Brad Lidge is experiencing pain in his shoulder and will not be ready for opening day. The biggest concern is that this is a pain he hasn’t felt before, so there’s really no telling how long it will take him to recover.
↵He joins Chase Utley as two of the most important pieces on this team beginning the season on the wrong list. It’s likely that Ryan Madson will take over the closing duties for Lidge until he returns, but that opens up a brand new spot for any of the young guys Charlie Manuel that have got or will get sent down in Spring Training roster cuts. Mike Stutes, Michael Schwimer, Justin De Fratus, and Vance Worley should be on notice.
↵Not a good way to kick off the 2011 campaign.