Washington Nationals Designate Brad Lidge

The Nationals have designated Brad Lidge for assignment today.  According to Amanda Comak of the Washington

Times, Lidge had expected to be designated and it happened early Sunday.

"“The 14-inning game last night forced us to make a bullpen roster move,” Rizzo said. “Brad wasn’t performing very well and Mattheus was ready to come off the rehab assignment. We thought this was the right time to make the move.”"

With the move, the Nationals activated Ryan Mattheus from the disabled list.  Mattheus was 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 19 games with the Nationals this season before being placed on the DL with a partial tear of the plantar fascia of his left foot.

Brad Lidge has struggled since leaving Houston.  In fact, he struggled at the end of his tenure with Houston.  Everyone remembers the monster shot Albert Pujols hit off him in the 2005 postseason, and most attribute that home run to his downfall.  In fact, Lidge had a 0.00 ERA in the Division Series against Atlanta in 2005.  Against the Cardinals, he had a 7.20 ERA, and in the World Series, he had a 4.91 ERA.

With the Phillies and Nationals, Lidge has been far from dominant.  He posted a 3.73 ERA in 214 games for the Phillies.  He was even worse for the Nats.  In 11 games this season, Lidge had a 9.64 ERA.  Despite concerns that Lidge may have an undisclosed injury, the Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said that wasn’t the case.

"“I think he was healthy,” Rizzo said. “He said he was healthy, he threw like he was healthy. No pain, no after-effects after he was done rehabbing.”"

It is expected that Lidge will eventually be released.  He may be given a shot elsewhere, but it’s clear he will never be the same dominating presence he was in Houston for so long.