Brad Lidge Has Knee Surgery, Could Miss Opening Day

What is it with the National League East and knee surgeries lately?

We have the Carlos Beltran knee surgery fiasco going on right now, and now there is another player going under the knife to repair a knee. However, everyone is on the same page with the latter surgery.

It will be a while before Lidge celebrates again

According to David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News , Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Wednesday. This was Lidge’s second surgery of the offseason.

Back in November, Lidge underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his right elbow. There is a strong possibility that Lidge could miss Opening Day.

If Lidge is not available to start the season, Ryan Madson or newly signed Danys Baez could be in line to get some saves. Madson would be the more logical choice since he filled in for Lidge last season.

If the Phillies are to repeat as NL East champs in 2010, the Phillies are going to need Lidge to have a bounce back season. We all know about Lidge’s disastrous 2009 season, and quite frankly, the Phillies won despite him.

With the Atlanta Braves, Mets, and even the Washington Nationals improved in the NL East, the Phillies won’t get away with Lidge blowing 11 saves and having a 7.21 ERA.

If Lidge can come back to resemble somewhat of his 2008 form and the rest of the bullpen stabilizes, the Phillies will once again win the NL East and perhaps, the NL Pennant.

 

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