Closer Brad Lidge had surgery yesterday to repair his flexor pronator tendon, but the Phillies said in a statement that they are hopeful the righthander will be ready "close to Opening Day."
Lidge, who blew 11 saves and posted a 7.21 ERA after going 41-for-41 in save opportunities in 2008, kept the periodic pain in his elbow under wraps during the regular season.
"Brad could be 1 to 2 weeks behind in spring training," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement, "but, overall, we feel very good about his recovery time."