Injuries plague Philadelphia Phillies as Ruben Amaro remains hopeful – MLB Update
Things are probably not going according to the plan for Philadelphia Phillies. Friday marked another fateful day for the team, which wants to bolster their presence in the upcoming series as they lost closer Brad Lidge with a shoulder injury.
Lidge had been struggling during the Grapefruit League and it seemed as if something was wrong with the talented closer. Speculation was confirmed as he is now sidelined with a shoulder injury which will most put on the Disabled List as the regular season
begins.
Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel will now have to decide if Jose Contreras or Ryan Madson should replace Lidge. It is now apparent that Lidge will require some time to get his shoulder back to good form. However, Lidge is looking to return by mid-April or
quite possibly even sooner. He understands the importance of the opening of the regular season for the team and he does not want to be sitting on the bench during this crucial time.
"It's very frustrating," he said. "Yesterday I was really pretty upset, just because coming into camp this year, I felt really good. I don't know where along the line I [was hurt]. I'm sure it was pretty early in camp. It's just been very frustrating that
it hasn't gotten a lot smoother."
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. showed some concern but was not too worried as he is under the impression that Lidge will be back in action sooner than expected. However, he will have to wait to make any assessments as Lidge is scheduled for an
MRI on his shoulder to get a better picture of the exact nature of his shoulder injury.
Philadelphia will be disappointed as they did not want to start the season with some of their top pitchers sitting on the bench due to injuries. Most likely Contreras or Madson will replace Lidge. Both are also tremendous pitchers and have the ability to
perform for the Phillies, if needed. The team does not seem to be in panic mode as the beginning of the regular season is just a few days away. The Phillies are an experienced team and do not show their emotions over most issues. Their professionalism and
extreme competitiveness keep them content as they manage to give whatever it takes to have a successful regular season.
With Lidge missing from the pitching line-up, the Phillies will be looking to their starters to give them the edge early in their games. The team will come out strong and try to dominate from the start, to relieve pressure on the closers. The Phillies are
aware of the fact that Madson and Contreras are highly talented and can handle any situation that they may face during a game scenario.
Lidge will be disappointed to be missing Opening Day as his injury is requiring him to rest up completely. A shoulder injury for a pitcher can be very serious and usually throws off the rhythm of many pitchers in the League. Luckily this time for Lidge the
injury does not seem to be too serious, as he is predicted to come back into action within a few weeks. Hopefully the Phillies will be able to manage without him and his tremendous closing talents.
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