Brad Lidge Placed on 15 Day DL

Finally, the much anticipated journey of Brad Lidge to the Disabled List has begun! Today, the Philadelphia Phillies have placed Brad Lidge on the 15 day DL because of a sprained right knee.

Thank god the Phils decided to make the move before the critical series against the New York Mets.

Lidge this year was far from the perfect form he was in last year. This year, Lidge was 0-3, while only converting 13-19 save opportunities. Lidge’s ERA was far from impressive also, it was 7.27, and opponents were hitting a disappointing .306 against Lidge.

Lately, it looked like Lidge was returning to form, but this weekend, he blew two consecutive saves against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Paul Bako, the catcher from Double-A Reading will take Lidge’s roster spot, and will be wearing the uniform number 23 tonight in the series opener against the Mets.

To take Lidge’s spot as the closer will most likely be set up man Ryan Madson. Madson so far this year has posted a 2.22 ERA this year while going 2-1 this year in a set up job.

To replace Madson, will probably be J.C. Romero, who has pitched well so far this season after he returned from a 50 game suspension. Romero’s ERA is 0.00, and has 2 strikeouts.

Hopefully this move will get Lidge back on track, because the Phillies will be desperately needed to repeat as champions. Let’s hope for a safe return for Lidge.