Phillies second baseman Chase Utley took a significant step in his rehabitation to getting back to baseball.
Utley, who is battling back from chondromalicia and patellar tendinitis in his knee, played 3 innings in a simulated game on Sunday afternoon.
Utley saw breaking balls for the first time since the first week of spring training. Pitching coach Rich Dubee threw him a few — not from off the mound, but just in front of it like batting practice. Utley then ran the bases and also took grounders at second base. To simulate a game, he sat in the dugout in between innings for a few minutes.
There is still no timetable for the star 2nd baseman’s return to the lineup although some believe he could be back by the end of May.
Phillies rookie outfielder Domonic Brown has been activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to AAA Lehigh Valley. The 23-year old Brown came into Spring Training hoping to win the Phillies starting right fielder spot but struggled early on. After beginning Spring 0-for-15 at the plate, Brown broke the hamate bone in his hand. He had surgery and began a rehab assignment at A Clearwater last Wednesday.
Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz is still day-to-day after suffering back spasms during last Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ruiz is expected to potentially return to the lineup on Tuesday.
Right handed pitcher Roy Oswalt will rejoin the team on Thursday. Oswalt left the team last week to return to his hometown of Weir, Mississippi which had been tragically struck by tornadoes and storms over the past week. Oswalt is expected to miss one turn in the rotation and take the mound for the Phillies again next weekend.
Left-handed reliever JC Romero will pitch a rehab assignment for Low A Lakewood on Tuesday. Romero is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.
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