Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Posted: 7:17 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
All signs point to Chase Utley getting into some minor-league game action very soon.
Utley, who has been sidelined with right knee tendinitis since the start of spring training, participated in another four-inning simulated game on Tuesday. After watching the all-star second baseman hit, run and field, manager Charlie Manuel indicated that Utley could be sent to Florida for some game reps in the coming days.
It might be time to let him go somewhere, like Clearwater or something, and start getting into a broader and bigger routine, Manuel said. Hes doing much better. Hes closer than he was a week ago.
Utley and general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. both said there was no timetable on when Utley would start playing minor-league games, but one could come together quickly if he bounces back well from Tuesdays workout.
Dont be surprised if Utley is sent to Florida in the next few days. The Phillies have excellent resources in Clearwater, including training facilities and two minor-league clubs with which Utley could get playing time. A stint with the extended spring-training club could benefit Utley. Those games are more loosely structured than actual league play. Utley could go an inning on and an inning off if he chooses. He could lead off every inning if he wanted to intensify his at-bats. Once he got his legs in extended spring training, he could slide over to the Florida State League club for official game action.
MLB
But right now, he must be evaluated Wednesday to see how he responds to Tuesdays work.
It all depends on how he feels, Amaro said. Only then can we see what the next step is.
Utley was asked Tuesday night if he felt good enough to play in a minor-league game.
We might need a little more time till were to that point, he said. But well wait and see.
Utley is being treated with a rehab program that includes stretching, massage and underwater therapy.
So far, so good, he said. What weve been doing has been working so well stay with it.
Other health matters
Catcher Carlos Ruiz (strained lower back) was not in the lineup for Tuesday nights game against Washington. Ruiz injured himself on Wednesday and missed all three games of a weekend series against the Mets. Manuel said Ruiz was hitting off a tee, but was unsure when hed be cleared to play.
Pitcher Joe Blanton (right elbow impingement) is recovering quickly. He believes he will throw a bullpen session in the next few days.
Oswalt update
The Phils are still expecting Roy Oswalt to return to the club on Thursday and he is tentatively slated to pitch Saturday.
Lineup shuffle
After spending the entire first month of the season hitting third, Jimmy Rollins was the leadoff man for Tuesday nights game against Washington. Shane Victorino batted second and Placido Polanco third.
The Phils scored just one run in 14 innings Sunday night, so Manuel decided to shuffle things and get some speed at the top of the lineup.
I made some moves because weve been hitting the ball so hard, the manager deadpanned.
Raul Ibanez, stuck in an 0-for-34 slump, was in the starting lineup.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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