Phillies manager Charlie Manuel indicated Wednesday that Antonio Bastardo could keep his closer job indefinitely. "Bastardo might be able to do whatever he wants to do with the way he's been," Manuel said. David Hale of The News Journal writes that Manuel is "definitely hedging his bets" as far as when Ryan Madson will regain the closer job. We expect Madson to eventually get his gig back, but perhaps it will take longer than initially anticipated. Bastardo holds a 0.99 ERA and 0.74 WHIP on the season.

Antonio Bastardo pitched a perfect inning Tuesday against the Cubs, striking out all three batters he faced, for his seventh save. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wants to ease Ryan Madson back into the closer's role but Bastardo is making it difficult on him to make a change. He's allowed just one run in 18 1/3 innings since May 25. Bastardo has a miniscule 0.99 ERA and 0.74 WHIP on the season.

Antonio Bastardo pitched another perfect inning Friday for his fourth save. Bastardo protected a one-run lead with ease against the Blue Jays. He's pitched eight hitless innings and allowed just a single walk in his last nine appearances. He'll keep closing until Ryan Madson returns.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Tuesday that he is leaning towards using Antonio Bastardo as his closer while Ryan Madson (hand) is on the disabled list. Manuel left open the possibility that he could play the matchups, which means that Michael Stutes may also get a chance here or there. Bastardo, 25, has a 0.96 ERA and 33/13 K/BB ratio over 28 innings this season, so he should be owned in most mixed leagues at the moment.

Antonio Bastardo is likely to serve as the Phillies' closer for the next couple of weeks. Ryan Madson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a contusion on his right hand and Brad Lidge (elbow) is not expected to return until mid-July. Bastardo, 25, has registered a sparkling 0.96 ERA and 33/13 K/BB ratio in 28 innings this season for the Phils. He's worth owning in most fantasy leagues.