The Phillies have placed Brad Lidge on the 15 day DL as he rehabs from athroscopic knee surgery performed last month. Lidge has looked good while rehabbing in the minors and hadn't experienced any notable setbacks; however, the Phillies don't want to take any chances with their newly acquired closer.
Fantasy Impact
Lidge will be unavailable for at least the first 4 games of the season as he is eligible to come off the DL no sooner than April 5th at Cincinnati. In his absence, setup man Tom Gordon will work the ninth inning for the Phillies when they host a three game series with the Nationals and at minimum the first game of the aforementioned Reds series. The forty year old veteran reliever has plenty of prior closing experience and should do an adequate job in Lidge's absence. Add Flash immediately if he is available in your league.
If you are a Brad Lidge owner do not panic. All indications are that this is merely a precautionary move to ensure the former Astros closer is around for the long haul. Lidge will be back sometime in the second week of the season at the very latest and is in line for a fine season with a strong Phillies club that should get him plenty of save opportunities.
One final note. Those of you in leagues which count holds should take note that JC Romero will be the Phillies primary setup man and best holds option while Gordon fills in at closer.
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