If you were watching the Phillies game Wednesday afternoon, you probably had the same thought I did when the ninth inning began: why is Brad Lidge coming in with the Phils down three runs?

It was a little strange for a few reasons: It wasn't a save situation or a tie game, Lidge had pitched the night before and the Phils don't have a day off for another 12 days.

Well here are a few explanations: every available reliever besides Ryan Madson had been used. Chan Ho Park, who pitched three innings a less than 24 hours earlier, wasn't available.

Neither was J.C. Romero.

Following Wednesday's game, I asked manager Charlie Manuel if Romero was OK and he said the team was trying to stay away from the lefty as Romero has a tender left forearm.

Romero denied that health was an issue. When asked why he hadn't pitched in the Cubs series, Romero said he worked in all three games in Florida over the weekend. Which is true.

But...

Romero's last game was Sunday. He pitched 1/3 of an inning. In that 1/3 of an inning, he threw three pitches.

Since the Phils haven't made a roster move as of yet, it may not be serious and Romero could very well be taking a few days to rest his arm. But it's also worth following, too.

Romero is 0-0 with a 2.87 ERA in 20 games since being activated from his suspension June 3.