Brad Lidge is hurt again.
The Phillies’ oft-injured closer was diagnosed with a rotator cuff sprain, according to GM Ruben Amaro Jr. Lidge will start the season on the DL and miss three to six weeks.
“Obviously losing your closer for a significant period of time is not something we were looking forward to,” the GM said.
While Lidge won’t require surgery, Amaro called the newest development “an issue.”
“On the brighter side, it’s not something that needs to be surgically repaired,” Amaro said.
Lidge, who has been dealing with a sore right shoulder all spring, was touched up in his most recent Grapefruit League outing, allowing two walks and a home run in 2/3 of an inning. His velocity was down from last season, when he recorded 27 saves.
