Phils Notes: Utley, Thome and more

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FT. MYERS, Fla.Perhaps its the quiet before the storm?

By all accounts, Saturdays Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox at City of Palms Stadium will be just another exhibition game. Players simply will be getting in their work with the season opener just 12 days away.

However, Sunday figures to be a busy day at the Phillies training complex in Clearwater.

Chase Utley is scheduled to meet the media to discuss the latest on his chronic knee injuries that likely will sideline him for the start of the 2012 season. It will be the first time that Utley has spoken about his knees since he departed for Arizona to reportedly visit with medical experts on how to best treat his injuries.

Meanwhile, Jim Thome is slated to make his debut at first base in a major league game on Sunday as well. Thome played first base in a minor league game earlier this week and the hope is that he can play a handful of games in the field this season.

Additionally, Placido Polanco is expected to return to action on Sunday since injuring his finger in a game last Sunday and lefty reliever Antonio Bastardo is scheduled to pitch in Sundays game after throwing a bullpen session on Friday.

Bastardo was initially penciled in to pitch in Saturdays game against the Red Sox, but has been pushed back a day.

1. Shane Victorino, CF
2. Juan Pierre, DH
3. Hunter Pence, RF
4. Laynce Nix, 1B
5. John Mayberry Jr., LF
6. Carlos Ruiz, C
7. Pete Orr, 3B
8. Freddy Galvis, 2B
9. Miguel Abreu, SS

Cole Hamels will start the game with Chad Qualls and a yet-to-be-determined pitcher to follow.

E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com

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