"Brad Lidge is almost ready to give it another try.

The veteran Phillies reliever says he is healthy after missing spring training and the first half of the season with assorted shoulder and elbow ailments. Now it's time get on the mound in some minor-league games, build some arm strength, and see how far away he is from returning to major-league action.

Lidge threw 35 pitches in the bullpen at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday afternoon. He plans to test himself in the bullpen again on Friday and if all goes well could be pitching in a minor-league game by Monday or Tuesday.

"Everything right now is good," Lidge said. "It's just a matter of strengthening my arm."

Lidge would likely need anywhere from eight to 12 appearances in the minors before being ready. But even he acknowledged that his timetable is uncertain."