Phillies declined RHP Brad Lidge's $12.5 million option for 2012. An easy call. Lidge will receive a $1.5 million buyout and test free agency, though the Phillies have expressed interest in re-signing him. The 34-year-old right-hander 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. It will be interesting to see if a team gives him another chance to close.

Closing with Ryan Madson unavailable, Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth inning against the Rockies for his first save of the year Wednesday. Antonio Bastardo had the much tougher assignment with the middle of the order in the eighth; Lidge got to face Ryan Spilborghs, Eliezer Alfonzo and Chris Nelson and retired all three. Lidge has allowed one run in 3 2/3 innings since coming off the DL. Even though his velocity is down, he's given up just one hit so far.

Brad Lidge (elbow) is still hoping to come off the disabled list this weekend, though the Phillies have yet to make a decision about his status. Lidge has allowed three runs while striking out 10 in 7 2/3 during his minor-league rehab assignment, and certainly appears ready to rejoin the Phillies. If he doesn't do so this weekend, he should by no later than Monday, when Philadelphia will wrap up its four-game home series with the Padres. It's highly unlikely Lidge will see any save opportunities for the time being.

Brad Lidge (elbow) tossed a scoreless inning Wednesday in his latest minor league rehab appearance with Class A Lakewood. Lidge struck out one and threw seven out of 10 pitches for strikes. He has allowed three runs over 7 2/3 innings during his rehab assignment. There's a good chance he'll rejoin the Phillies' bullpen on Friday, though he'll likely be eased back into a late-inning role.

Brad Lidge (elbow) will make another rehab appearance Wednesday, this time with Single-A Lakewood. Lidge began his rehab assignment at the beginning of July and is hoping to gain clearance to return to the major leagues after Wednesday's outing. The Phillies plan to reevaluate him on Thursday morning.

Brad Lidge (elbow) pitched a scoreless seventh, allowing two hits and striking out two, in a rehab appearance for Double-A Reading Sunday. He threw 14 pitches, 13 for strikes. It was a positive step after Lidge had struggled recently on his rehab assignment. Lidge is hoping to rejoin the Phillies on July 22, though he's not sure if the team will go along with that plan.

Brad Lidge (elbow) struggled in a rehab appearance for Triple-A Lehigh Valley Thursday, allowing two runs on one hit, one walk, two hit batters and three wild pitches over 2/3 of an inning. Even more concerning is that Lidge was topping out only at 89-90 mph with his fastball, which he was the best it's been on his rehab assignment. "Nothing hurt," Lidge said, citing the biggest positive. "I felt my fastball is the best it's been, but my control wasn't very good." Lidge is hoping to rejoin the Phillies on July 22, though he's not sure if the team will go along with that plan. The Phils want him to make a few more rehab appearances before activating him. It certainly sounds like he could use them.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brad Lidge (elbow) could need six more rehab appearances. Lidge threw a perfect inning Monday at Double-A Reading and made three appearances at Single-A Lakewood earlier this month. But the Phillies want to be sure his elbow and shoulder problems are behind him. The right-hander has been on the disabled list the entire season.

Brad Lidge (elbow) pitched a perfect inning Monday in a minor league rehab appearance with Double-A Reading. Lidge struck out two and threw nine out of 13 pitches for strikes. He allowed one run over three innings with Class A Lakewood before being bumped up to Double-A on Monday. It's expected that he will return from the disabled list shortly after the All-Star break.

Brad Lidge (elbow) will make a rehab appearance with Double-A Reading Monday. It could be his last, as Lidge is due back early in the second half. He's allowed one run over his first three rehab appearances and has struck out four while walking no one. He'll likely be eased back into things but should have a prominent role in the Philly pen before long.