The Washington Nationals are already short one closer, as Drew Storen is still recovering from surgery earlier this season on his elbow, but now they will be without another for at least three weeks. Brad Lidge has surgery on Tuesday morning to repair a hernia, according to Amanda Comak.

#Nats RHP Brad Lidge had surgery this morning to repair a hernia. Agent Rex Gary said everything went "very well."

— Amanda Comak (@acomak) May 1, 2012

The guys over at Baseball Nation have a little bit more information on what Lidge's recovery will likely look like.

It could take up to three weeks before Lidge is cleared to throw again, and then it’s likely he’ll have to go on a rehab assignment. Thus, the Nats will have to continue to to with Henry Rodriguez as their closer, probably for another month. Rodriguez has pitched reasonably well, recording five saves, but he also leads the National League in wild pitches, with four.

For more updates on the status of Brad Lidge, keep it tuned to this StoryStream. For all the latest news and analysis on the Washington Nationals, make sure to visit Federal Baseball.