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EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

Brad Lidge Scheduled To Rehab At FirstEnergy Stadium Friday

April 23, 2010 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Lidge, who is on the disabled list due to offseason surgery on his right knee and elbow, will continue along with his rehab assignment tonight, as he is scheduled to take the mound for the Reading Phillies as they begin an exciting six-game homestand at FirstEnergy Stadium. Lidge, 33, will join fellow Philadelphia pitcher Joe Blanton, who will start the 7:05 p.m. contest for the R-Phils, as they host the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Tickets to tonight's game are still available and can be purchased at the FirstEnergy Stadium box office, by phone at (610)-375-8469, or online at readingphillies.com.

Lidge, who began his rehab stint with Clearwater (A) on April 10, made five appearances for the Threshers, allowing five runs over 4.2 innings. On Thursday evening, the right-hander continued with his Major League rehab, and took the hill for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA). He tossed one inning of work, allowing no runs, no hits, and one walk.

In 2008, Lidge made headlines by compiling 41 saves in 41 chances during the regular season, and posted an impressive 1.95 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 62 games. He played a key part on the Philadelphia Phillies World Series Championship team - the first Phillies World Series win since 1980 - by going seven for seven in save opportunities, and he even saved the decisive Game 5 of the World Series in Philadelphia on October 29th, 2008.

His remarkable season did not go unnoticed as he finished eighth in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award, and was the only player other than Albert Pujols or Ryan Howard to receive first place votes. Other awards he notched included MLB Comeback Player of the Year, the DHL Delivery Man of the Year award, and the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association's Outstanding Athlete of the Year award.

Originally selected by the Houston Astros as the 17th overall selection in the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft, Lidge, was traded by the Astros to Philadelphia along with infielder Eric Bruntlett in exchange for outfielder Michael Bourn, pitcher Geoff Geary, and R-Phils All-Decade Team 3B Mike Costanzo.

A product of Notre Dame University, Lidge made his Major League debut with the Astros on April 26, 2002 -- appearing out of the bullpen. For his career, Lidge has compiled a 25-28 record with 195 saves and a 3.56 ERA over 517 games.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Blanton, 29, will make the start for the R-Phils, as they host the Richmond Flying Squirrels in the opening game of their three-game series. Blanton, a native of Nashville, TN, will make his second rehab start of 2010 - first with the Reading Phillies. He started for Lakewood (A) on Tuesday, and retired all six batters he faced over his two scoreless innings.

Tonight's game is also a $16 Family Night at the Pool with the all-you-can-eat buffet. For just $16 fans can treat themselves to a 2 1/2 hour all-you-can-eat buffet at the Reading Eagle Pool Picnic Area, which features hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, potato salad, chips, pretzels, cookies, lemonade, iced tea, and Pepsi products.

The game also features an appearance by "The King" Jerry Lawler, as "Wrestling Royalty" visits Reading. As part of the excitement, the R-Phils have a "Tribute to Professional Wrestling", courtesy of Rock Hits Y102 planned, and the first 500 adults 21 and over will receive a Jerry Lawler Commemorative Cup, thanks to All-Star Distributing/Pabst.

Single-game tickets for the 2010 season, presented by Pepsi, are on sale now and can be purchased in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium, by calling (610) 375-8469 or by visiting readingphillies.com. Fans can also add the all-you-can-eat Deck Buffet to any ticket for only $11. "Bring the Fam to America's Classic Ballpark."

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