Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge is likely out until near the All-Star break, manager Charlie Manuel said on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM (via Andy Jasner of MLB.com).

“I’m probably looking at maybe All-Star break, or … just before that,” Manuel said.

Lidge confirmed the report to the media on Thursday.

“I don’t know if it’s anything new, but yeah, I agree with Charlie,” Lidge said. “When I first got hurt, there was this three-to-six week talk before playing catch or throwing a ball. If nothing serious happens, and I’m hopeful it won’t, I can see myself being back by the All-Star break. I’m doing everything I’m supposed to be doing and I remain optimistic about this timetable.”

The right-hander has a right posterior rotator cuff strain.  In his absence, Jose Contreras is the Phillies’ closer.