Baseball notebook: Lidge’s role still in doubt

Fri., Sept. 11, 2009

Associated Press

Brad Lidge and Charlie Manuel had a meeting to discuss the struggling closer’s role with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Lidge and Manuel spoke after Wednesday night’s game against Washington. The following day, the manager wouldn’t say if or when Lidge will get his job back as closer.

“We’re really on the same page with everything. We had a good talk,” Lidge said.

Lidge converted all 48 of his save chances last year, including the postseason, to help the Phillies win the World Series. This year, he has 10 blown saves in 38 opportunities.

“I see him as a closer,” Manuel said.

But with 24 games left in the regular season, he wasn’t promising a specific role. Philadelphia began the day with a six-game lead over Florida in the N.L. East.

“I don’t see us using him in the seventh or eighth inning,” Manuel said. “We might use some time to give him some work.”

Manuel would like the luxury of using Lidge in a one-sided game, but those can’t be predicted. Lidge is 0-7 with a 7.11 ERA this season.

Pena undergoes surgery on fingers

Tampa Bay slugger Carlos Pena has had season-ending surgery in St. Petersburg, Fla., to repair two broken fingers on his left hand.

The Rays expect a full recovery in eight to 10 weeks.

Pena was injured Monday in New York when he was hit by a pitch from Yankees ace CC Sabathia. Dr. Doug Carlan performed surgery inserting pins into the first baseman’s left index and middle fingers.

Meche likely out; Bannister unknown

Kansas City starter Gil Meche is probably done for the year with a shoulder problem, and fellow right-hander Brian Bannister is flying to New York for a second opinion on his shoulder.

Royals manager Trey Hillman said that Meche would most likely be shut down for the final weeks of the season. He declined to speculate on whether Bannister would need surgery.

Nationals claim English off waivers

The Washington Nationals have claimed left-hander Jesse English off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and added him to their 40-man roster.

The Nationals designated catcher Luke Montz for assignment to make room.

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Baseball notebook: Lidge’s role still in doubt

Pena undergoes surgery on fingers

Meche likely out; Bannister unknown

Nationals claim English off waivers

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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