With Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge kicking off the season on the disabled list after an MRI revealed a strained right shoulder on Tuesday, Jose Contreras will likely step in to the closer's role.
Contreras seemed to have experienced a near-seamless transition to the bullpen last year after spending his entire career as a starter between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. Last season, the 39-year-old righty went 6-4 with a 3.34 ERA in 67 appearances with the Phillies.
Reliever Ryan Madson was presumably going to start the season as the closer, but this move allows him to keep business as usual as the set up man.
Lidge is expected to miss anywhere from three to six weeks after experiencing some major velocity issues during spring training. However, the good news is that he won't be needing surgery.
The reigning National League East champs, who open the season at home Friday against the Houston Astros, are entering the 2011 season bruised and battered. They have an incredibly strong rotation, but are missing All-Star second baseman Chase Utley with a right knee injury and third baseman Placido Polanco with an elbow injury.
Get well soon, Phillies!
[ESPN]
1 comment:
Once he no longer was with the hated White Sox, I forgot about him completely...
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