"Both Brad Lidge and Placido Polanco have missed a week's worth of game action, but both acted Sunday as if opening day was not remotely in doubt.

Lidge, who has not appeared in a game since March 11 because of biceps tendinitis, threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Sunday morning and tried to simulate pitching in a game as best he could.

"It felt real good," Lidge said. "I was definitely encouraged by this one."

Lidge said he is planning to pitch in Tuesday's game and thinks he could have four or five more outings before the spring is over - if he pitches every other day. He insisted he could also pitch on back-to-back days right now, too.

"I'll leave that up to them," Lidge said.

As for Polanco, who was termed "day-to-day" with a hyperextension of his surgically repaired left elbow suffered March 15, the team has taken it slowly. He has participated in fielding drills but has yet to take batting practice.

"There's no sense in hurrying him," Charlie Manuel said.

Polanco said he plans to hit off a tee Monday and possibly take batting practice Tuesday. If everything goes well, he could play Wednesday.

"We want to make sure it's healthy," Polanco said, "and not 80 percent now and then 80 percent the whole time."

And what sort of injury briefing would this be without a word on Chase Utley, who remains unable to run or field because of his chronic right knee problems?

"The doctors say he's getting a little better," Manuel said. "Seems like it's going to take a while, though.""