Pulling plug on Lidge

If you look in the boxscore this morning, you will see an “S” beside Ryan Madson’s name.

But the real save in last night’s Phillies’ win goes to Charlie Manuel.

And that means that on a night when the Phils hit five solo home runs to beat the Nationals, closer Brad Lidge is outtaheeere.

Manuel made the slow walk from the dugout to the mound in the ninth last night and gave the guy to the guy who was a perfect 48 for 48 last year.

Saying Lidge has struggled this year is like saying it rained a little bit on Noah.

Lidge entered the game in the ninth last night with the Phils clinging to a 5-3 lead and once again proceeded to pour a little gas on the fire.

He gave up a leadoff single. Not a good sign, especially since Lidge admits he is having trouble pitching out of the stretch. Pretty good prediction. Lidge hit a batter and walked two others to load the bases.

That’s when Manuel decided he’d seen enough. You could tell after the game it was not a move Manuel wanted to make. For weeks he’s been saying Lidge is his guy to slam the doors in the ninth.

Not anymore. After Madson got out of the jam and saved the win, Manuel said he was not sure exactly what Lidge’s status is and who his closer might be now.

Brett Myers, who pitched another inning last night, is lurking in the background.

Give Manuel credit for making the move. And also give some kudos to Lidge, who once again proved to be a class act after the game, calmly facing the music and answering questions, admitting he’s still struggling with his control.

If you have followed Lidge’s career, he has run hot and cold this way before, one good year followed by an off year.

He’s struggling through an off year after being perfect last year.

Charlie Manuel no longer has the luxury of hoping Lidge turns things around. He gave his closer the hook last night.

The search is on for a new one.