Well, this is a mild surprise. It's retroactive to March 21, which means he can be activated as early as April 5 when the Phils visit the Cincinnati Reds.
Lidge, who is scheduled to throw tomorrow in a minor-league game, had been hopeful he would be ready to open the season, but the Phillies sounded less optimistic after he threw a bullpen session yesterday. Lidge's velocity still isn't where it needs to be, so they're going to give him a little more time to build up arm strength. Lidge had surgery on his right knee Feb. 25, which set him back.
I guess one consequence of this is that it gives the team more time to resolve its roster issues--which might mean a new lease on life for Travis Blackley and/or J.D. Durbin. Also, Clay Condrey presumably can now pack his bags for Philadelphia.