PHILADELPHIA — Brad Lidge is nearing a return to the Phillies, though he might not immediately assume the closer role.
Lidge has been pitching in minor- league games in Florida while recovering from offseason operations on his knee and elbow. He was in Philadelphia on Thursday to receive his NL championship ring before the series finale against Washington.
Lidge, who received a cortisone shot in spring training, said his arm strength has improved and he’s completely healthy. He’s planning to make at least one more appearance in Florida before getting a few rehab assignments.
“I’d like to definitely be back before May,” Lidge said. “I know we go on a road trip, but I’d like to be back by that next homestand for sure.”
The Phillies open a 10-game homestand April 30.
J.C. Romero is even closer to returning after having surgery on his elbow last year. Romero is the team’s primary left-hander in the bullpen.
“Whenever they tell me, ‘Hey, we need you,’ then I’ll start pitching,” Romero said.
Red Sox hurting in the outfield
MINNEAPOLIS — Red Sox center fielder Mike Cameron and left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury will each be examined today. Cameron was scratched from the lineup for Thursday’s game at Minnesota, and Ellsbury is still feeling discomfort from the collision that has sidelined him since Sunday.
The initial diagnosis for Cameron was a lower abdominal strain, but manager Terry Francona said the team wants to make sure it’s a muscular issue and not something else such as appendicitis.
“It’s unusual,” Cameron said. “I haven’t experienced anything like this before.”
Francona said Ellsbury was not as far along as the team hoped.
“I can’t really take a deep breath without getting a sharp pain,” Ellsbury said. “It’s better safe than sorry.”
• Right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka (neck) pronounced himself ready to return to the Red Sox rotation after throwing six scoreless innings in a minor- league rehab start.
Footnotes.
Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero had surgery to repair a partial meniscus tear in his right knee. No timetable for his return was given.
• The Braves placed left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes on the 15-day DL with a hyperextended right knee.
