The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen will get a much added lift today as Brad Lidge will be activated from the DL before tonight’s game against the red hot New York Mets. Then again, the way Lidge pitched last year I am not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing.

Lidge is set to return on Friday

Lidge made his final rehab start on Tuesday at Double A Reading going two innings while allowing no hits and striking out four. Perhaps the most impressive part of Lidge’s outing was that he threw first-pitch strikes to 23 out of the 35 batters he faced.

The up and down Phillies’ bullpen could use Lidge — not the bad Lidge, but the good Lidge from two years ago. The Phillies’ bullpen has already blown four saves in nine chances and they are 13th in the NL in OPS against with a .801 clip.

I don’t think Charlie Manuel is going to throw Lidge back into the fire right away. He will most likely let Lidge ease himself in, let him prove himself, and then let him regain his closer role.

From a fantasy perspective, if you have the room on your roster, I would certainly take a flier on Lidge if he is available in your league. The reward is much greater than the risk.

To make room for Lidge, the Phillies will send down Antonio Bastardo. Bastardo had a 1.69 ERA and struck out five in 5.1 innings for the Phillies this season.

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By The Baseball Index