Phils notes: Madson earning full-time closers role

Share

Saturday, May 21, 2011
Posted: 7:05 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com

Jose Contreras is just a couple of minor-league rehab innings away from being activated by the Phillies, but it doesnt look as if he will be the closer when he returns.

Manager Charlie Manuel likes what hes seen of Ryan Madson in the role. Why wouldnt he? Madson entered Saturday 8 for 8 in save chances. The lanky righthander has long had the stuff to close, but sometimes nerves have gotten the best of him in the ninth inning. That hasnt happened this season. He is pitching with a confidence level that matches his power arm.

So look for Contreras to work in the eighth inning when his recovery from a strained elbow is complete.

Further down the road, Brad Lidge will probably also work in a setup role when he returns. Lidge, the Phillies closer most of the last three seasons, is recovering from a tear in his right rotator cuff. He is hoping to be back before the end of June.

For nowand probably thenMadson is the guy.

Madson right now is pitching as good as Ive ever seen him, Manuel said. His stuff is as good as Ive ever seen it. I cant see me touching that.

Even when Lidge returns?

He has to get well, said Manuel, who is eager to have Lidge back but doesnt like to deal in hypotheticals. Right now, Madson has done a tremendous job for us and Im not looking to change that.

Lidge will throw a bullpen session Sunday and head to Clearwater to continue his rehab. He will work on baseball activitiesfielding, etc.in addition to pitching in the bullpen. He could work into games in a week or so.

Blanton update
An MRI performed on Joe Blantons sore right elbow Friday showed no structural damage. Blanton is resting the elbow and the Phillies are determining a course of action for his recovery. Blanton will go on the disabled list before Tuesdays game and Vance Worley will come up from Triple A for that start against Cincinnati.

E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com

Contact Us