BY SCOTT LAUBERAs expected, Brad Lidge threw 30 pitches from the bullpen mound today. But Lidge had no idea what to expect from his balky right knee. So, after being able to put pressure on his back leg and throw without pain and without altering his mechanics, Lidge declared his first major test to be a success.
"I'd consider today pretty successful," he said a little while ago. "I went down to the bullpen and completely pushed off my back leg without any pain at all. That's more than I've done for a while. We have to make sure that it doesn't start feeling bad tomorrow. I don't think it will. Being able to push off like that, for me, that's the good part."
So, what's next?
Lidge said he'll throw from the bullpen mound again Thursday. If that goes well, he may pitch in a minor-league game Saturday. He's eligible to come off the disabled list next Tuesday (June 23), and although he isn't guaranteeing that he'll be ready by then, he hopes it won't take longer than that.
What, exactly, was wrong with Lidge's knee?
Well, it's a condition called "synovitis," in which fluid builds up in the synovial membrane that surrounds the knee joint. Lidge received a cortisone injection in late April, and the Phillies' medical staff was hoping it would reduce the inflammation. But, after getting the shot, Lidge didn't give his knee the proper rest. He pitched a few days later, and the knee flared again. This time, after receiving an injection last week, he didn't even play catch for about five days.
More on Lidge in tomorrow's News Journal.
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