Brad Lidge was originally scheduled to play in a minor league game against the Yankees yesterday. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and the game was rained out. It didn’t stop Lidge from getting some work.

Lidge pitched a “four out” inning in an interquad game against minor leaguers yesterday afternoon. In his first game situation this spring, Lidge retired four of the five batters he faced, striking out three. The only base runner he allowed, Jayson Werth, advanced to first on a six-pitch walk.

Lidge felt no pain, and was happy with the outing:

“There’s nothing better than facing hitters,” said Lidge, who threw 12 of his 19 pitches for strikes. “That was a lot of fun. I was glad to get out there and feel good. I felt a lot better [command-wise], and I think that was because of having actual hitters and being able to lock in with an actual game surrounding.”

Lidge will pitch in a minor league again on Sunday, and see some Grapefruit League action next week. Barring no setback, Lidge will be ready for Opening Day.