Brad Lidge(notes) returned to the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday after missing the past two weeks with biceps tendinitis.
But after striking out the first two batters he faced, Lidge struggled in 2/3 of an inning, allowing two hits and two walks. Following the game, Lidge said he was feeling shoulder pain -- something he'd never encountered before -- that got worse as he threw more pitches.
"There was always a little pain in the back [of the shoulder], which we thought was from the biceps tendinitis," Lidge said. "I'm not really familiar with the shoulder. I haven't had shoulder issues before, at least not for a long time. So I'm not really familiar with the discomfort and pain I'm having."
Lidge will undergo a MRI exam next week in Philadelphia. In the meantime, he'll begin the season on the disabled list.
With that, Lidge joins a growing list of closers who will be sidelined when the 2011 season begins next week. Also among the injured:
• Frank Francisco(notes): The Toronto Blue Jays closer will also begin the season on the DL, due to tightness in his right pectoral muscle and inflammation in his biceps. Francisco visited Dr. James Andrews for an examination, but no structural damage was found.
• Brian Wilson(notes): The San Francisco Giants' postseason sensation may avoid the DL, but doesn't look like he'll be ready to close for the world champs on opening day. Wilson has a strained oblique and had to cut a throwing session short on Wednesday.
• Andrew Bailey(notes): Bailey also paid a visit Dr. Andrews after leaving a game 10 days ago with tightness in his elbow. But exams turned up no structural damage, and it's believed that the "ripping sensation" Bailey felt was scar tissue in the elbow breaking up. Being ready for opening day is unlikely.
• J.J. Putz(notes): Putz was shut down last week after feeling stiffness in his back during a throwing session. But after throwing long toss on Wednesday, the Arizona Diamondbacks are hopeful he'll be ready to start the season.
• John Axford(notes): The Milwaukee Brewers' new closer missed the first couple weeks of spring training due to food poisoning and resulting weight loss. He hasn't pitched very well since returning (compiling an 8.44 ERA), but the Brewers say he'll be their closer. One scout wonders if Axford's delivery is too complicated to be successful, however.
• David Aardsma(notes): Aardsma had hip surgery in January and hasn't pitched for the Seattle Mariners all spring. He was able to play catch for the first time two weeks ago. The most optimistic projections have Aardsma returning by late April.
Images from AP
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