MILWAUKEEChase Utley has been cleared to resume physical activity after suffering a concussion when he was hit in the head by a pitch Wednesday night.
Utley showed no symptoms of the concussion when he was evaluated by doctors in Philadelphia on Saturday, according to assistant general manager Scott Proefrock.
The second baseman will have more tests on Monday and that will give Phillies officials a better idea of when he will be able to return to the lineup. Best guess: Utley probably wont play until sometime during the coming homestand, which begins Thursday.
This is good news, very positive, Proefrock said after conferring with the teams medical staff Saturday. Hes making progress.
In other injury matters, Jimmy Rollins, recovering from a right groin strain, expects to be good to go in the next few days.
Bastardo struggling
Reliever Antonio Bastardo is going through his first real hiccup of the season. He has allowed four walks and four runs in his last three outings. Theories abound for why the valuable, left-handed setup man is struggling.
MLB
Bastardo has mentioned that he feels tired after making a career-high 59 appearances. He has also said his mechanics are off.
Pitching coach Rich Dubee disputed the notion that Bastardo was tired.
Hes throwing 92-93 mph, Dubee said Saturday. Hes not tired. Hes not being as aggressive as he needs to be. He needs a little of his mojo back. He needs to get some attitude back. Hes not throwing enough strikes and commanding.
Its a long season and you go through ruts. He needs to get back to pitching with edge and confidence and attacking the strike zone.
Manager Charlie Manuel has sensed that Bastardos confidence is down.
I havent really seen him turn it loose, Manuel said.
In other words, Bastardo is being a little tentative.
Manuel acknowledged that Bastardo might be a little tired, but said theres nothing wrong with his arm.
He just needs to go out and have a good inning, come off the mound feeling good about himself and hell be fine, Manuel said.
Manuel said he would not hesitate to use Bastardo on Saturday night.
We want to win the game, Manuel said. Theres a good chance hell get in.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com