Phillies closer Brad Lidge is hoping to return to the team by late April. Lidge has been pitching in minor league games in Florida while recovering from offseason operations on his knee and elbow. Ryan Madson has filled in for Lidge and has two saves in his first two tries and it's possible that Philadelphia will ease Lidge back into the lineup. "In '08 when I came back, there was a game or two when I wasn't closing," Lidge said. "This year, missing a lot more and everyone else is taking care of business in their roles, I'd expect to maybe ease into it is my guess. It depends on what we need. I'll be more than happy to do whatever." "I'd like to definitely be back before May," Lidge added. "I know we go on a road trip, but I'd like to be back by that next homestand for sure. I think we can do that."