Lidge struggled Thursday in a spring training game in Florida against the Minnesota Twins and complained about pain behind his throwing shoulder.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Ryan Madson or Jose Contreras would close while Lidge was out.
The Phillies, who became a popular team to tip for the championship after they signed free agent starting pitcher Cliff Lee, will also open the season next Friday with second baseman Chase Utley sidelined because of a knee injury.
Lidge, who said he expected to be able to return in mid-April, will be examined by the team doctor at the club's spring training facility in Clearwater on Saturday and have an MRI test done next week in Philadelphia.
(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)
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