Lidge Strikes Out 3 In 19-Pitch Outing

Closer Brad Lidge, throwing his first pitches against hitters since last season, threw 19 pitches today in a Minor League game. He struck out three and walked one. Lidge, via the Associated Press:

“I felt great with everything from warming up to throwing in the game. There is nothing better than facing hitters and that was a lot of fun.”

The AP article even said Lidge “didn’t disappoint” as Pat Gillick, Charlie Manuel and a slew of others watched Lidge pitch. (Lidge had knee surgery in February, which kept him from joining the Phils for the start of Spring Training.) It’s obviously good news that Lidge threw and came out fine, and it’s even better he ripped off a few Ks. Sure it’s a Minor League intrasquad game, but it’s game action, and that’s a huge step. A few more nice runs by Lidge, and he should available from the bullpen by March 31.