While team doctors have recommended that injured pitcher Brad Lidge rest for three-to-six weeks due to a strained right rotator cuff, Phillies manager announced Wednesday that he will stick with the righthander as his closer to start the season.

“Lidge is still our closer,” Manuel said.  “I’ve always looked at him as our closer. A significant injury ain’t gonna change that.”

Manuel would later say that if Lidge starts to struggle as the closer that he would consider using either Jose Contreras or Ryan Madson to help prop Lidge up on the mound while he tries to pitch.