Phillies closer Brad Lidge set to appear in game

Mar 11, 2010 - 12:57 AM CLEARWATER, Fla.(AP) -- Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge faced hitters Wednesday for the first time since offseason surgeries on his right elbow and right knee.

Lidge threw 21 pitches to Ozzie Chavez and Chris Duffy at Philadelphia's training complex in Clearwater, Fla. The 33-year-old right-hander then went through a round of fielding drills.

Lidge had been limited since arriving at camp last month.

"That was a full day," he joked. "It felt like I was in spring training today."

Lidge was a perfect 48 for 48 in save chances in 2008, helping the Phillies win the World Series. But he led the majors with 11 blown saves last year and finished 0-8 with a 7.21 ERA in the regular season.

Lidge is expected to throw another live batting practice session on Friday, and is scheduled to appear in a game on Monday.

"For us to get him out there and getting the feel for throwing off the mound against hitters, it's very big," manager Charlie Manuel said.

Lidge's health is one of the biggest question marks for the Phillies. He hasn't pitched in a game since Philadelphia lost to the New York Yankees in last year's World Series.

"Each time I've gone out there I've felt better and better," Lidge said. "The spin on the slider was quick enough to get some swings. I think when the arm speed comes around everything becomes a little crisper. And that'll come around, it's just a matter of pitching, getting out there as much as possible.

"The thing I'm going to be working on is maintaining control as my arm speed gets going. Right now I feel really good about being able to throw the ball on both sides of the plate."