Amaro: Utley progressing but ‘not close to jogging'

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Posted: 1:15 p.m.Updated: 5:58 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com

Chase Utley continues to make slow progress in his recovery from patellar tendinitis in his right knee, but he is not yet ready to run.

That will be the next step when he feels comfortable, but right now hes not close to jogging, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said before Tuesday nights game against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park. If he was close to jogging hed be jogging.

Utley has done some jogging on the teams underwater treadmill, but thats totally different, Amaro said. The all-star second baseman, who did not play an inning in spring training, has taken some light ground balls with limited lateral movement.

Hes made some progress, but its slow, Amaro said. Even when hes running or jogging it doesnt mean hes taken a jump forward and will be ready for minor-league rehab. That might take some time, too.

Right now hes still got some discomfort, but not to the point where its debilitating for him. Hes made some progress in that its not as painful.

Before Utley returns to action, he will have to play in a handful of minor-league games, manager Charlie Manuel said. There is no timetable for that, however.

We dont know when it will happen, Amaro said. He is literally day to day.

Utley will make road trips with the club and work with team athletic trainers.

I like having him on the road and so does Charlie, Amaro said. Hes still our team leader, or one of them. His presence is helpful. Players respect him. He might be able to spread some knowledge about the teams were playing.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com
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