"It's going to be really tough to be ready for the opener," said Lidge. "In my mind I'm still shooting for it, but I don't know if that's realistic. I definitely will like I'll be ready for (the April 12-15 series against the Nationals at Citizens Bank Park) if I progress the way it should. ... I want to be out there as much as I can, but we've got a deep bullpen." Lidge said a more realistic target might be the second series of the season against Houston. Ryan Madson is expected to handle save opportunities in Lidge's absence, but don't dismiss Danys Baez either.

He threw 16 pitches and allowed one run on three hits against a Double-A lineup, but we shouldn't get too worked up about the results. The important thing is that he leaves the outing feeling healthy. It isn't clear how the Phillies will proceed from here, but time is quickly running out for him to be ready for the start of the season. As such, Lidge is currently aiming to be ready for the second series of the season against Houston.

Where was that five months ago? Werth opened the spring 3-for-22, but he has four hits the last two days, taking his average up to .250.

Three of his four appearances this spring have come against his original team. Contreras was lit up in the second of those, and his chances of winning a rotation spot seemed to die with it. However, the truth is that the Phillies wanted him in the pen all along and it was made an easier call with Kyle Kendrick's strong showing and Jamie Moyer's return to health.

It's a couple days later than he originally predicted, however there still may be enough time for him to get ramped up for the regular season. Lidge is currently recovering from offseason surgeries on both his right elbow and right knee.

The Phillies are calling it an "upper respiratory infection." Utley should be back in action after a few days of rest and medication.

The Phillies are calling it an "upper respiratory infection." Utley should be back in action after a few days of rest and medication.