The Phillies have placed righty starting pitcher Joe Blanton, closer Brad Lidge and lefty reliever J.C. Romero on the 15-day disabled list to start the year. Blanton will miss the first 3-6 weeks with a oblique injury. Kyle Kendrick will replace him in the starting rotation. Brad Lidge is still recovering from knee and elbow surgeries. Ryan Madson will close until Lidge is ready to return and he will do a solid job. J.C. Romero is still rehabbing after left elbow surgery but he’s coming along well. These are three big injuries so it will be interesting to see how the pitching staff responds.