"I feel like I'm ready," Madson, fresh off a five-game rehab assignment, said before the game. "I threw five games, kind of like a mini-spring training. It's like the start of the season again for me. That's about what it's like."
Madson has been one of the most consistent relievers in the National League over the last six seasons, posting a 3.85 ERA and averaging 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings and 2.8 walks per nine from 2004-09. The 29-year-old righthander started the season filling in for injured closer Brad Lidge and recorded three straight saves before blowing two of his next three opportunities.
One of those blown saves led to his trip to the disabled list. After allowing a game-tying run in the 10th inning in San Francisco on April 28, Madson kicked a chair in the dugout at AT & T Park and broke his toe. The injury required surgery to insert pins into his foot. He had them removed after 4 weeks and has been steadily working his way back since.
The foot has not been an issue for several weeks. Madson said he spent his final couple of rehab outings fine-tuning his delivery, which he hopes will help him avoid the sort of struggles that led to his stay on the DL.
"Mechanically, I've just cleaned up some things," said Madson, who has posted a 3.28 ERA in 202 appearances since the start of 2007. "I've taken the games at Lehigh and Reading to address those, and hopefully I go out there and it's just there, I don't have to think about it. Everything will work smoothly if I can do that."
During Madson's absence, veteran righthander Jose Contreras assumed the bulk of the setup duties. The 38-year-old, who is in his first season as a full-time reliever, was dominant in April and May, allowing one earned run with 22 strikeouts and two walks in 15 1/3 innings.
