MILWAUKEEChase Utley has a concussion and probably wont play for the remainder of this roadtrip, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said on Friday morning.
Hes going to be re-examined on Saturday, Amaro said. If the test goes well, he could go ahead and meet the team in Houston on Monday. But I dont expect him to play the next two series just so we can be cautious. Thats my guess.
One of those series is the current one against Milwaukee. It runs through Sunday. After that, the Phils play three in Houston beginning on Monday. The Phils return home on Thursday for a doubleheader with Florida then entertain St. Louis beginning Friday. Amaro mentioned that Utley might not play until the St. Louis series.
Utley was hit in the back of the head by a pitch on Wednesday night. Tests in Philadelphia revealed a mild concussion, Amaro said.
Its very mild, we think its very slight, but its a concussion nonetheless, Amaro said. Chase is already feeling better. Hes getting some rest. Well know more Saturday.
Rollins Update
Jimmy Rollins continues to take ground balls and be available for emergency duty, but manager Charlie Manuel is not ready to put him in the starting lineup. Rollins is recovering from a right groin strain.
MLB
Id say four to five days, he should be ready, Manuel said.
The time frame is consistent with the amount of time team officials believed Rollins would need when he went on the disabled list on August 22. At that time, it was believed the shortstop would be out until mid-September. The Phillies ended up activating Rollins from the DL sooner than expected because they needed the infield depth after Utley went down.
Manuel seems to be getting tired of being asked about Rollins status.
Put it like this, he said. Jimmy Rollins is our regular shortstop. Hes a good player. But weve won a lot of games without him. He gives us more opportunities to win the game and we want him on the field. At the same time, if hes not ready to play, we can play the game with who we have.
Wilson Valdez started at shortstop in place of Rollins on Friday night. He had two hits and an RBI in Thursday nights win. Pete Orr got the start at second in place of Utley.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com