Brad Lidge and Charlie Manuel had a meeting to discuss the struggling closer's role with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Lidge and Manuel spoke after Wednesday night's game against Washington. The following day, the manager wouldn't say if or when Lidge will get his job back as closer.

"We're really on the same page with everything. We had a good talk," Lidge said.

Lidge converted all 48 of his save chances last year, including the postseason, to help the Phillies win the World Series. This year, he has 10 blown saves in 38 opportunities.

"I see him as a closer," Manuel said.

But with 24 games left in the regular season, he wasn't promising a specific role. Philadelphia hold a six-game lead over Florida in the NL East.

"I don't see us using him in the seventh or eighth inning," Manuel said. "We might use some time to give him some work."

Manuel said he would like the luxury of using Lidge in a one-sided game. Lidge is 0-7 with a 7.11 ERA.

Last night at Washington, Lidge pitched a scoreless eighth inning with Philadelphia behind, 8-2.

ELSEWHERE

Award: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter is the winner of the Branch Rickey Award in recognition of his work with kids in the community.

The Branch Rickey Award honors individuals in baseball who contribute to their communities and are strong role models for young people.

"It means a lot," Hunter said. "That's something that you should do, whenever you can.

Hunter's community works include the "Torii Hunter Project Education Initiative," which provides college scholarships to students in California, Arkansas, Nevada and Minnesota. He also partnered with MLB to help maintain and improve baseball diamonds in inner cities.

Law and order: A streaker who disrupted a New York Mets game by jumping onto Citi Field naked except for a stuffed monkey tied around his waist May 12 is banned from the ballpark for life.

Prosecutors say Craig Coakley of Queens pleaded guilty yesterday to interfering with a sporting event.