Utley, Howard still a ways off...or are they?
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Utley, Howard still a ways off...or are they?
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Updated: 10:15 p.m.
Despite the caution expressed by the Phillies about their star slugger, Ryan Howard sounded optimistic Friday night that he would be ready to return from his sprained ankle early next week. Howard hit in the batting cage for the second straight day, and after Friday night's loss to the Mets said a return by Tuesday is a definite possibility.
“As long as the swelling can continue to go down, I think I’ll be able to play with the pain or whatever,” Howard said. “When I come off (the DL), we’ll take it day by day and see how it is."
Meanwhile, Chase Utley parted ways with the team after Thursday night's game, flying to Clearwater to continue the rehabilitation program that is expected to get him back in the line-up during the last week of August. The Phillies have said that Utley is simply continuing his workout at the team's spring training facility in Clearwater. And they've maintained throughout the past week that the second baseman is on pace to return sometime in the last week of August. But CSNPhilly.com reported last night that Utley will actually be in the line-up for Class A Clearwater Saturday night.
Everything I've heard has a realistic timetable for Howard's return starting later next week. But Howard seems confident he can be back once his minimum stay on the disabled list expires on Tuesday.
"Over the past three days, the swelling has continually gone down," he said. "So that’s a good thing. It’s still a little bit stiff in the back, but it’s kind of getting worked down. It’s kind of getting the motion and movement and getting comfortable with the tape and all that stuff.”
Jim Salisbury is reporting that Utley could play in the minors as soon as tomorrow (Saturday) and Howard is saying he'll be ready on Tuesday?— bigstabile- After tonight's one hit explosion these guys couldn't come back fast enough.— Rick Wise Guy
- Utley could be back Tues if all goes well with his rehab starts on Sat, Sun, and Mon, we really need some offense. Get the Dobbs the hell out of here. Once Howard comes back, I think they send Dom back down until the rosters expand.— robm0202
- The only hit tonight was a flare by Hamels. Dickey was doing a good job of mixing up his pitches. It's frustrating to see the Phils look helpless against a junkball pitcher. Hamels deserves better. He has gotten no run support lately.— phillyinsd
- true, cole needs way more support than he's gotten. its unfair for him to have a losing record. i don't think the mets will be one hitting us once chase and ryan are back. its about to be on!!!
- It better be.— newintown
- These guys run the team, no make that manage themselves and their teammates. i.e. Victorino is going to Lehigh Valley and play 5 innings Tuesday, 7 innings Wednesday and 9 on Thursday.He does well Wednesday and gets activated, never hitting lefthanded in the minors nor diving back on a pickoff to test the injury completely.Now Phillies saying later next week for Howard and he says Tuesday, see who wins that one also. Finally, Phillies say end of month for Chase, lets see what transpires with this one. This is one case where we all should be thankful that the inmates are running the asylum, Cholly doesn't.— toe bee
Comment removed.- Just afraid they will take 3 weeks to get their swings back. The offense wasn't exactly percolating when they were in there. Thought Howard might end up at Reading for a few games since they are home all next week.— chescoguy
- Put Victorino back on the DL.— dasher
