Right knee surgery for Brad Lidge

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and the team said he could miss the start of the 2010 season.

The procedure, performed Wednesday at Philadelphia's Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital by Dr. Michael Ciccotti, the Phillies' team physician, follows the arthroscopic surgery done on the same knee in March 2008.

"The surgery went well, and Brad is expected to begin his throwing program in 10 days," Phillies head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said in a statement Thursday on the team Web site. "We're not sure if he'll be ready by Opening Day, but we don't expect that he'll be too far behind."

Lidge, 33, converted 31-of-42 save chances in 2009, one season after saving all 41 regular-season chances.

He also spent time on the disabled list last June with a right knee injury.

In his eight-year career, the right-hander has compiled 195 saves.