Lidge Put On 15-Day DL

Tom Singer of MLB.com reported the details of the Brad Lidge injury. Lidge was placed on the 15-day DL today with a right knee sprain. In his place, the Phillies recalled catcher Paul Bako and he is expected to dress tonight versus the Mets. Bako is batting .357, with 10 RBIs in 42 at-bats.

Lidge (0-3) has been the exact opposite of his perfect regular and post season form a year ago as he is sporting an ugly six blown saves. He has 13 saves and an ERA of 7.27 in 28 appearances.This move will likely make set-up man Ryan Madson the closer until Lidge's return.

I have to ask one quick question before I talk about the recalling of Bako: why him? I know we want to have another bat on the bench since there are only four bench players but of all people why not bring back John Mayberry Jr. or try out another hitter to take advantage of the opportunity. But maybe Bako has something to prove. Another logical reason for this is so that Chris Coste will get more pinch hit AB's and the Phillies will still have a reserve catcher in Bako.

Now I'm glad they gave Lidge a 15-day rest. He hasn't been himself at all this year. It's not known whether or not his knee really is bothering him or if he is just getting a reality check so he can get his head on straight. If the knee is the case, that's at least a bit of a relief knowing that it's a physical problem and not a mental problem. Remember, this is the same guy that got abused by Albert Pujols in the 2006 NLCS.

Whatever the reason is, good luck Lidge in getting back on track and I'm confident Madson will hold down the fort nicely.