Phillies closer Brad Lidge held out with sore arm

[March 15, 2011]  KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge has a sore arm that will keep him off the mound for a few days.

Lidge was supposed to pitch Monday against the Houston Astros, but did not make the trip to Kissimmee because of tendinitis in his right biceps. Pitching coach Rich Dubee said that while Lidge typically has soreness during the spring, Phillies management would err on the side of caution.

General manager Ruben Amaro said Lidge had "muscle soreness" and would be pushed back a couple of days.

Lidge has made five one-inning Grapefruit League appearances this spring, giving up five runs for a 9.00 ERA.

Dubee said the injury doesn't necessarily throw Lidge off track, because the right-hander has "already got more innings than he usually has in the spring."

Dubee said Lidge's arm strength isn't where it needs to be, but added that nobody's is this time of year.

[Associated Press]

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