WASHINGTON — Ryan Madson relieved Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge in the ninth inning Tuesday, and he had the role all to himself yesterday.

Manager Charlie Manuel gave the ball to Madson for the save in yesterday's 6-5 win against the Washington Nationals, and Manuel said he's not sure exactly who will get the ball in future save opportunities.

"We'll just wait and see," Manuel said. "I don't want that to be a big thing."

Lidge converted all 48 of his save chances last year to help the Phillies win the World Series. He is 0-7 with a 7.11 ERA for the NL East leaders this season, converting 28 of 38 save opportunities.

On Tuesday night, Lidge took over to begin the ninth with a 5-3 lead against the Nationals. He faced four batters, resulting in a single, walk, hit batter, wild pitch and an out before Manuel replaced him with Madson. Madson finished for his fifth save.

After Tuesday's game, Lidge said Manuel told him he'd be pitching the next time the Phillies were in a save situation. Manuel, however, didn't specify if Lidge would keep the closer position when he addressed the media yesterday.

"Lidge will get the chance to save some games for us," Manuel said. "Tonight, I wanted Madson."

Lidge didn't address the controversy after the game.

"Madson did a great job," Lidge said. "I'm happy he did, I'm happy we won. I didn't play in the game, I haven't talked to Charlie or anything, so there's really not a lot more for me to say."

The Phillies lead the East by six games, but now they have some uncertainty in the bullpen as they look to the final weeks of the season and the playoffs.

DODGERS

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Randy Wolf will miss his next start with elbow irritation.

Wolf returned to Los Angeles to consult team doctors on Tuesday night and received a cortisone injection, manager Joe Torre said.

Wolf told the team he thought he hurt himself swinging the bat in a game. He reported discomfort in his elbow during a bullpen session on Tuesday.

GIANTS

San Francisco isn't going to rush Tim Lincecum back into the lineup even though its staff ace has shown improvement after back spasms forced him to miss his start Tuesday night against the San Diego Padres.

"We're obviously going to be a little careful with him," manager Bruce Bochy said before yesterday's game against the Padres. "We're going to wait for after Thursday to see where we are with him."

WHITE SOX

Jake Peavy threw a bullpen session yesterday but is still unsure if he will make a start for Chicago this season.

"I have no idea what the plans are," he said. "I did what I was asked to do today and I was excited to do that. Who knows what the future holds, I wish I can tell you."

Peavy was acquired from San Diego at the July 31 trade deadline. The right-hander has been on the disabled list since June 13 with a strained tendon in his right ankle and was struck on his pitching elbow during a rehab game on Aug. 24.