Brad Lidge will act as the Nats' closer on Opening Day. And Henry Rodriguez will have the responsibility in the Nationals' next game. Washington is going to rotate between the relievers until Drew Storen (elbow) is ready.

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said Brad Lidge was given an "enhanced MRI" before he signed his one-year deal. The test came back clear. Lidge has battled both shoulder and elbow injuries in recent years, but he's been effective when healthy and will enter spring camp with the Nationals at 100 percent. They'll hope he can avoid the disabled list and operate as a reliable seventh-inning setup man throughout the 2012 campaign.

Nationals signed RHP Brad Lidge to a one-year contract. Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports that the deal is worth $1 million and includes some incentives. Lidge doesn't bring the heat like he used to and relies mainly on his slider to get hitters out, but he still managed a 1.40 ERA and 23 strikeouts over 19 2/3 innings with the Phillies last season. The 35-year-old isn't a good bet to stay healthy, but he brings some experience to the back-end of Washington's bullpen.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal was told by a source that the Rockies are not in on Brad Lidge. The Rox have a very tight budget, and probably can't contend with some of the other offers that Lidge is currently considering. He's drawn interest this offseason from the Angels and Phillies, among others. The 34-year-old right-hander registered a 1.40 ERA and 23/13 K/BB ratio in 19 2/3 innings last season for Philadelphia.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies remain interested in Brad Lidge, but "only at minimal risk" due to injury concern. Lidge grew up in the Denver area, so he might be willing to give the Rockies a bit of a discount. At this point, he might not be able to get more than an incentive-laden deal with low guaranteed money, anyway. Lidge would be used in a setup role in front of closer Rafael Betancourt.

According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies have talked to Brad Lidge's agent. Lidge grew up in the Denver area and still has a home there, so Renck hears he would seriously consider joining the Rockies. The 34-year-old right-hander posted a 1.40 ERA and 23/13 K/BB ratio over 19 2/3 innings this season. He would presumably pitch in a set-up role in front of Rafael Betancourt.

Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox have "checked in" on Brad Lidge. He also says they've looked into Jon Rauch, but Rauch is about to sign on with the Mets. Lidge has also drawn interest from the Mets, and the Rockies are likely to court him, as well. The 34-year-old right-hander would probably like to close, but, realistically, should have to settle for a setup role.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies will wait on a possible pursuit of Brad Lidge until they resolve Huston Street's situation. Street is on the trade block, and if he winds up being dealt, the Rockies would then likely have room on the roster and on the payroll to add Lidge, who grew up in Denver. The 34-year-old would be used in a setup role, as Rafael Betancourt is expected to be the team's closer in 2012.

Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that Brad Lidge and Jon Rauch remain "strong" on the Mets' radar. Lidge, 34, posted a 1.40 ERA and 23/13 K/BB ratio over 19 2/3 innings this season while the 33-year-old Rauch compiled a 4.85 ERA and 36/14 K/BB ratio over 52 innings. The Mets have also expressed interest in Matt Capps, Frank Francisco, Francisco Cordero and Octavio Dotel among free agent relievers and Andrew Bailey and Huston Street among potential trade targets.

Brad Lidge's agent, Rex Gary, said Wednesday that his client would be willing to close or pitch in a set-up role next season. Gary said Lidge is also willing to take a short-term deal, presumably to rebuild his value and test free agency again next winter. The 34-year-old didn't make his season debut until late-July due to arm problems, but posted a 1.40 ERA and 23/13 K/BB ratio over 19 1/3 innings. The Phillies declined his $12.5 million option for 2012 late last month.