ATLANTA — Don’t expect to see second baseman Chase Utley back on the field until after the All-Star game.
Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said Utley is still recovering from inflammation in his right ankle after receiving a cortisone injection on June 24. Utley went on the 15-day disabled list on June 23 and has not resumed baseball activities.
“They gave him that cortisone shot and he’s still on the mend from that,” Mackanin said pregame Friday. “He’s taking it one day at a time. Apparently we’re not looking any time too soon, but that’s not written in stone.
"Probably not going to be ready for a couple of weeks where he can get back on the field, certainly not until after the All-Star break. We’ll have a better idea then.”
Utley originally injured the ankle during an offseason workout. It has bothered him all season and limited his productivity. In 65 games, Utley is hitting .179 with four homers and 25 RBIs.
Jerome Williams on the mend
Right-hander Jerome Williams is getting closer to being able to return to the starting rotation. He’s been on the disabled list since May 17 with a strained left hamstring.
Williams is going through his rehab work in Atlanta with the team. Once the Phillies leave Sunday night for the West Coast, Williams will report to Double A Reading for a rehab start.
MLB
There is no official date for his return, but it isn’t likely to occur until after the All-Star game.
Williams is 3-7 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts.