TORONTOThere was progress on the Chase Utley wounded-knee front Friday.
Utley played four innings at second base in a minor-league intrasquad game in Clearwater. It was the first time Utley had played the field in a competitive situation since October.
Utley, who suffers from a chronic knee condition, has been running and hitting for several weeks. He has said that playing the field causes the most discomfort, so it appeared to be a good sign that he was able to play the position Friday.
According to manager Charlie Manuel, Utley will continue to ease his way into playing defense until he can withstand seven to nine innings. That could take close to the remainder of the month which would tie in with the end of Utleys 20-day rehab assignment on July 1.
Id say its going to be the first week of July, more than likely, Manuel said of Utleys return to the Phillies lineup.
That is barring any setbacks, of course.
Howard update
Ryan Howard, recovering from an Achilles tear, hit two home runs in a minor-league intrasquad game in Clearwater on Friday, but is still not running the bases or playing the field. Howard has not started his 20-day rehab clock. The team has not set a timetable for his return, but the All-Star break seems to be a target.
MLB
Brown hurt
Lehigh Valley outfielder Domonic Brown had an MRI on his right knee Friday. He injured the knee running the bases on Thursday night. Results of the MRI were not immediately known.
Bastardo banged up
Reliever Antonio Bastardo needed several stitches to close a gash on his forehead, the result of a weight-room accident Wednesday night in Minnesota. Bastardo apparently was frustrated with his performance that night and took it out on a piece of equipment, which, in turn, took it out on him. Bastardo is available to pitch.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com