LAKELAND, Fla. -- Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. reiterated Friday that Chase Utley will be ready for the April 5 season opener in Pittsburgh.
Utley has not played in any of the teams eight games this spring and team officials will not say when they expect the second baseman to see action. Utley has a chronic knee tendinitis condition that must be managed. The team is closely monitoring his workload to keep him fresh for the long haul. He has been taking batting practice daily and participates in some fielding drills.
Weve been trying to keep him off his feet some, Amaro said.
As for when Utley will play in a game, Amaro said that will be a decision made by the club, the doctors and the player.
Amaro estimated that Utley would need just 30-40 at-bats to be ready for the season. Some of those at-bats could come in minor-league games. Phillies minor-leaguers begin games on Monday.
Other Injury Notes
An MRI on outfielder Domonic Browns right thumb revealed just a sprain. Amaro said Brown would resume hitting in a few days.
Reliever Jose Contreras, rebounding from elbow surgery, threw batting practice on Friday. He is progressing well and could be ready for game action in the next week or so.
MLB
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com