Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Posted: 8:20 p.m.
By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com
ST. LOUISWhile the Phillies open a nine-game homestand on Wednesday, Chase Utley will play nine innings for the Clearwater Threshers in a minor-league rehabilitation game.
Clearly, Utley is getting closer to making his season debut for the Phillies. It is widely believed that he could play sometime during the homestand, which runs through May 26. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. did not rule out that timeframe. Nor did he commit to it.
I dont know, Amaro said Tuesday. That would be great, but I dont know. He needs to get his rhythm and timing at the plate. When hes ready to play as hes accustomed to well activate him.
Utleys 20-day rehab assignment runs through May 29. If the Phillies believe he needs more time, he could sit five days and be granted more rehab time.
The all-star second baseman has been out with right knee tendinitis. He has 32 minor-league at-bats since his recovery shifted to Florida.
MLB
Victorino update
Centerfielder Shane Victorino (strained right hamstring) did not start for the third straight day on Tuesday. Amaro said Victorino was progressing, but it was still possible he could have an MRI in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury. That doesnt sound all that promising.
More health updates
Domonic Brown (sprained thumb) returned to the lineup at Lehigh Valley on Tuesday. Reliever Jose Contreras (elbow strain) will throw an inning for Clearwater on Wednesday. Reliever Brad Lidge, out since spring training with a torn rotator cuff, is ready to begin throwing off the mound. He said he would throw off a bullpen mound on Wednesday or Thursday in Philadelphia.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com