Brad Lidge (elbow) threw a scoreless inning for Double-A Reading on Friday night.

The tentative plan is for Lidge to make two more rehab appearances next week -- most likely on Monday and Wednesday -- before being activated from the disabled list next Friday.

Brad Lidge (elbow) threw a scoreless rehab inning on Thursday night at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Lidge walked a batter, but needed only 14 total pitches to get through the frame. He's just about ready to rejoin the Phillies' bullpen, but may be asked to make one or two more Triple-A appearances.

Brad Lidge (elbow) will take his rehab assignment to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday night.

Lidge has been given the go-ahead to skip Double-A Reading altogether after stringing together several quality outings at Single-A Clearwater. If he pitches well at Triple-A, the right-hander should be cleared to rejoin the Phillies following only a handful of appearances.

Brad Lidge (elbow) threw a perfect inning Monday at Single-A Clearwater.

Lidge required only nine pitches and retired the only three batters he faced with a strikeout and two groundouts. He has strung together a handful of quality rehab outings and could be headed for Double-A Reading for his next minor league appearance. As long as everything continues to run smoothly, Lidge should be closing games for the Phillies by the end of April.

Brad Lidge started Saturday night's game for Single-A Clearwater and needed just 11 pitches to retire the side in order.

He threw just the one inning, so don't worry about the Phillies trying to convert him into a starter. He struck out one, threw a mix of sliders and fastballs, and told reporters that he felt good. He'll make another appearance Monday before moving up to Double-A Reading and could rejoin the Phillies by the end of the month.

Brad Lidge (elbow) tossed a scoreless inning in a rehab appearance for Class A Clearwater on Wednesday.

He allowed no hits while walking one and striking out two, throwing eight out of 14 pitches for strikes. "Each outing is getting better," said Lidge. "It's encouraging. I'm able to go out there and picture a pitch and execute it." He could pitch two innings in his next appearance before heading to Double-A Reading.

Brad Lidge (elbow) might not resume the closer role once he returns from the disabled list.

"We could - depending on where he's at and how he's doing," said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. "It's something to talk about. But I don't know what we're going to do. It depends on how we're doing and where we're at with our pitching. We want to do what's best for Lidge and the team." Lidge, who underwent offseason surgeries on his elbow and knee, could return by the end of the month. Ryan Madson is 2-for-2 in save opportunities this season, allowing one run over 3 1/3 innings of work (2.70 ERA).

Brad Lidge (elbow) allowed one run on two hits in a one-inning rehab appearance for Class A Clearwater on Monday.

It's an improvement from Saturday, when he allowed four earned runs on three hits and a walk. If he can continue to make progress with his workload and effectiveness, there's a chance he could return by the end of the month.

Brad Lidge was hammered for four earned runs and three hits Saturday in a rehab appearance at Single-A Clearwater.

Lidge also walked a batter in what can only be described as a disappointing performance. He won't be called up to the big leagues until he shows that he can handle Single-A competition. The Phillies will hope that he comes around by the end of April.

Brad Lidge (knee, elbow) could make a rehab appearance with Single-A Clearwater on Saturday.

Lidge threw 35 pitches in a bullpen session on Thursday and is nearly ready for game action. Barring any setbacks, he could return to the Phillies by the end of the month.

Brad Lidge (knee, elbow) is expected to throw a bullpen session Thursday.

Lidge already has one bullpen workout under his belt since undergoing a cortisone shot in the middle of last week. The Phillies are hoping he will be closing games in the big leagues by the end of April.

Brad Lidge (knee, elbow) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Sunday.

It appears the cortisone shot he was given on Wednesday has done the trick. Lidge was placed on the disabled list just a few days ago, but the move was made retroactive to March 26 so that he would be eligible to return after the first week of the regular season. He may need a little more time than that, but should be closing games for the Phillies by late April.