Ryan Madson, closer and relief pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, was placed on the DL for 15 days due to a broken right big toe. The placement on the DL will allow for Madson to fully recover from the injury. He was placed on the list immediately Thursday after dealing with the broken toe injury Wednesday after the game against the Giants in which the Phillies won.

Madson has been closing for the Phillies for the past month, the entire first month of the MLB season of 2010. Brad Lidge had been on the disabled list since the start of the season for a recovery from surgery on his right elbow as well as knee surgery. While Lidge was recovering, Madson took over the role of the closer for the Philadelphia Phillies.

To take Madson’s role on the roster, the Phillies called in Antonio Bastardo on Friday from Triple A. They had just sent Bastardo to Triple A on Thursday in order to make room on the roster for Lidge to return, but is now coming back to take Madson’s roster place.

Prior to Madson’s injury, the question about whether Lidge would find himself back as the closer for the Phillies had gone unanswered. However, it appears now that Lidge will probably find himself taking over the playing role as the closer immediately although there is no official announcement regarding this as of yet.

However, the question does remain, though – when Madson comes off the 15-day disabled list from his broken big toe, will he return as the Phillies closer or will Lidge (or another reliever should the Phillies choose to go that route) stay in the spot of the closer? Who do you think is better for the team – Madson or Lidge?

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