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.
