Friday, March 18, 2011
Posted: 10:10 a.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
CLEARWATER, Fla.Though a truer read wont come until he gets on the mound in a game, Phillies closer Brad Lidge passed an important test in his recovery from biceps tendinitis on Friday morning.
In his first time on a mound since last Saturday, Lidge threw 35 pain-free pitches in a bullpen session.
It felt real good, Lidge said. The inflammation is out of there. I still havent cranked it up to 100 percent. I threw about 80-90 percent. There was no discomfort.
Lidge said he will play catch on Saturday and throw a max-effort bullpen session on Sunday. If all goes well, he could be in a game by Tuesday.
The tendinitis affected Lidges velocity in his last couple of outings. His fastball was topping out at 87 mph.
MLB
Lidge doesnt expect to see a significant jump in velocity until the adrenaline of the regular season kicks in.
The fastball pop is coming, Lidge said. But my pop will never be there until the first game Im closing in the regular season. Thats the way its been for eight years. I dont expect to ever be close to where that is in spring training.
That being said I should be able get more on the fastball than I have the last few outings. But if I dont Im not worried as long as I feel good. As long as nothing is hurting me Im happy. I just need to have good mechanics so I dont re-aggravate the tendinitis. Assuming that goes as planned Ill be more than ready on April 1.
Sent down
In other Phillies news on Friday morning, the Phils sent seven players to the minor leagues. The list included pitchers Mike Stutes, Juan Perez, Dan Meyer and Vance Worley; infielders Freddy Galvis and Jeff Larish and outfielder Brandon Moss.
Stutes, a righthanded reliever, made a nice showing in big-league camp and could be a factor in Philadelphia this season. He has the potential to pitch multiple innings.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
Related: Sizing up Phils' roster two weeks before openerBuy Phillies gear