Lidge to be activated shortly

In the Dept. of Team Health, it has already been a long season, so long in fact that today I received an email from Phillies PR man Kevin Gregg detailing updates for the litany of injuries the club is currently battling. I'll cut-and-paste the email in its entirety, but the biggest news is probably that Brad Lidge is expected to be activated in the near future. He retired all three batters he faced last night in a rehab appearance for Class A Clearwater in St. Lucie. Lidge said last week he thought he was on track to return in Atlanta, and since he is travelling with the team, it's a good bet that he is activated prior to tonight's game.

Anyway, here is the list:

Placido Polanco (left elbow): Had an MRI this morning that revealed no structural damage, loose bodies or fractures. The MRI did reveal a grade one muscle contusion and some bone bruising that is improving. He will be treated with an injection from Phillies team Physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti tomorrow in Philadelphia and should be available to play either Tuesday or Wednesday in Atlanta.

J.A. Happ (left forearm strain): Threw a 25-pitch live batting practice session today in Clearwater, Fla. He used all of his pitches which has been viewed as a step forward.

Jimmy Rollins (right calf strain): Working out in Clearwater, Fla., and began jogging yesterday. Has been playing long toss and is condition is improving.

Brad Lidge (right elbow inflammation): Made a rehab appearance last night (1.0 IP, SO) for Clearwater (A) at St. Lucie. The Phillies are waiting to assess his status and he is expected to be activated shortly.

Ryan Madson (broken right great toe): Working out in Clearwater, Fla., and playing long toss. He will return to Philadelphia to see the doctor on June 1.