"I'm always concerned," Manuel said. "It came up two days ago. He pitched and it's a little tender."
Lidge downplayed the injury.
"I'm not concerned," Lidge said. "I had a little hyperextension [on Saturday]. There's a little pain. I pitched through it [on Monday]. I'll definitely be back for sure on Friday."
In Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader, Lidge recorded his 21st save of the season. He allowed a hit but struck out two.
Lidge has a 3.38 ERA this season. Since blowing a save July 31 in Washington, the closer has allowed just one earned run in 161/3 innings.
"It is different from what I had before," Lidge said. "But instead of trying to throw through the pain and maybe make it worse, we decided I should take two nights off. It really is minor."
The fifth starter
For now, the Phillies are noncommittal on whether Kyle Kendrick or Vance Worley will start when the fifth pitcher makes his next turn in the rotation Saturday at New York.
"We have time," pitching coach Rich Dubee said.
Dubee said he was impressed by Worley, who pitched five innings in Monday's first game. He allowed two runs on six hits and struck out five. Worley ran into a few jams and limited the damage in his first major-league start.
"I like the way he competed," Dubee said. "He worked with tempo and composure."
Meanwhile, Kendrick has struggled. In his last four starts combined, Kendrick has struck out five. In that span, he has a 7.84 ERA in 202/3 innings.
Granted, Kendrick is not a strikeout pitcher and relies on a great deal of luck since opponents normally put a lot of balls in play.
Dubee said the fact that Kendrick has made 79 career starts as opposed to Worley's one will not factor into the decision.
"We don't have reservations about anyone here," Dubee said. "That's why they're here. If we think they give us the best chance, we'll go with them."
Brown scratched
