Brad Lidge will sign a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Phillies on Thursday. Lidge is going to be on hand at Citizens Bank Park to throw out the first pitch and take part in a small retirement ceremony. He already announced in December that he was done with baseball for good, so this is all pageantry. The right-hander had a 3.54 ERA and 225 saves in 11 major league seasons -- four spent in Philly.

Brad Lidge has announced his retirement. Lidge appeared in just nine games with the Nationals last season before being released. He'll finish his 11-year career with a 3.54 ERA, 799 strikeouts, and 225 saves.

Brad Lidge told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick that he hasn't decided whether he'll come back and pitch for another team this season. Lidge was released by the Nationals earlier this week after being designated for assignment. The veteran right-hander has instructed his agents to take calls from interested teams, but he hasn't made up his mind about whether he will return in 2012. "I am healthy, but based on the path I would have to take to get back to the bigs this year I am not sure I will be jumping back in right now," said Lidge. "No official decision one way or another, but mostly I am not happy that I rushed back from surgery before I was ready only to be designated for assignment a couple of days later."

Nationals released RHP Brad Lidge. Lidge was designated for assignment by the Nationals last weekend and passed through waivers with ease. However, he should draw plenty of interest on the open market now that he can sign at the league minimum. The veteran right-hander posted an ugly 9.64 ERA and 10/11 K/BB ratio over 9 1/3 innings with Washington.

According to the Washington Times, the Nationals have designed Brad Lidge for assignment.

Nationals activated RHP Brad Lidge from the 15-day disabled list. Lidge finished up his rehab assignment on a strong note Wednesday night, fanning two batters in a perfect inning at High-A Potomac. He won't be thrust back into high-pressure situations right away, but the veteran righty could be in line for save opportunities down the road.

Brad Lidge (hernia surgery) pitched a perfect inning Wednesday in his second rehab appearance for High-A Potomac. Lidge got a pair of swinging strikeouts and a groundout, which is a lot better than what he did the first time out. The veteran right-hander is expected to make 1-2 more appearances before rejoining the Nats.

Brad Lidge (hernia surgery) allowed a run on two hits and a walk over just 1/3 of an inning in his first rehab appearance with High-A Potomac Monday. Lidge was then yanked after reaching his pitch count limit. It's not an ideal showing, obviously, but the Nationals are just worried about whether or not he's healthy. Lidge is expected to make 2-3 more appearances before rejoining the Nats.

Brad Lidge (hernia surgery) is scheduled to begin his rehab assignment Monday. Lidge is reportedly ''ahead of schedule'' and will pitch in rehab games Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before being evaluated. If all goes well, he could return for the Nationals' June 11 series against the Blue Jays.

Brad Lidge (hernia surgery) has started throwing to hitters at the Nationals' complex in Viera, Florida. Lidge is now exactly one month removed from hernia surgery. He'll likely head out on a rehab assignment soon and should come close to meeting his goal of returning on June 15.