Billy Wagner went on the disabled list, retroactive to August 3, and since then, the Mets’ bullpen has had a well-documented, topsy-turvey ride. While he was never officially placed on the disabled list, Brad Lidge hasn’t seen action since August 8, thus causing the Phillies’ pen to spin a bit out of control.

The Phillies were fine for the first two Lidge-less games, with Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson picking up saves, but since then, the Dodgers swept them in a 4-game series full of close games. While the Phillies claim Lidge has been available to close since Monday, it’s odd that he didn’t see action in the entire series.

While the Phillies didn’t lead on Monday or Thursday, the team took a 3-2 lead into the eighth on Tuesday only for Durbin to blow the lead in the 8th and J.C. Romero to allow the winning run in the ninth. On Wednesday, the Phillies had a 6-4 lead in the eighth that the combined forces of Durbin, Romero, and Clay Condrey turned into a 7-6 Dodgers win.

With Lidge’s recent injury and Tom Gordon out for the season, chances are, the Phillies’ relievers are getting as overtaxed as the Mets’ hurlers are. With the Phillies having a more consistent bullpen overall this season, this hiccup is welcome to further the Mets’ playoff chances.

For a last little bit of irony, it seems that Lidge has become a victim of the extra-inning All-Star Game. MLB.com shows that Lidge and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel are blaming the countless warm-ups Lidge had to toss at the All-Star Game for at least further-injuring him. Will there soon be a time when World Series managers turn down the “privilege” of managing the All-Star Game to avoid the headaches?

Phillies closer Brad Lidge will begin the season on the disabled list as he rehabilitates his knee following arthroscopic surgery from last month, the Associated Press reports.

He will be eligible to return on April 5th. Lidge made his first minor league appearance on Thursday. He hasn’t pitched in any Spring Training games.

Tom Gordon will fill in at closer until Lidge can return.

Not a good start for the Phighting Phils. Lidge was a big chip for them, lets see if he can get it together.

In a video for Fox Sports, Ken Rosenthal previews the NL East.  For the Mets, he predicts a strong season for Johan Santana, however he wonders whether their fragility will haunt them throughout the year.

Rosenthal also questions the pitching for the Phillies, with Brad Lidge barely healthy.  Rosenthal likes the overall depth of the Braves, and the fact that they are a well-rounded team.  He also thinks that the Nats have some nice hitting, yet their pitching isn’t up to calliber.  Rosenthal thinks that Marlins rebuilding practice might eventually pay-off, but as of now they are no where close to competing.