We all knew Utley was destined to start the season on the disabled list, but now he’ll have a friend. Reports say that closer Brad Lidge will start the season on the DL due to shoulder pain. While it is a bad sign for Lidge, it could be a silver lining for the Phillies.
Lidge is in the last guaranteed year of his contract, but has an option year for 2012. If Ryan Madson can prove he can handle the pressures of being a closer, it gives the Phillies good reason to buyout Lidge’s option and re-sign Madson to another deal as the closer going forward.
It also should give one of Stutes, Mathieson, Schwimer, or DeFratus a chance to prove themselves at the major league level.
More as it develops.
Tags: Brad Lidge, Chase Utley, DL
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