Phillies will limit Utley in spring training
This spring, the Phillies plan on limiting Chase Utley's activity. Better to save him, Charlie Manuel says, for September rather than abuse him in February.
Phillies will limit Utley in spring training
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Last spring, Chase Utley arrived at camp with what the Phillies termed as "general soreness." It was an ominous beginning to what was a concerning season for Utley, who played in only 103 games and posted the second lowest line drive rate in baseball.
This spring, the Phillies plan on limiting Utley's activity. Better to save him, Charlie Manuel says, for September rather than abuse him in February.
"Right now he's fine," Manuel said. "But when he starts doing all of his work, there's no sense in us letting him take 100 ground balls a day and letting him hit for an hour in the cage. We're going to monitor some of that."
Utley's patellar tendinitis is not something that will go away; it's effectively an arthritic condition in his right knee, where cartilage is worn down.
Manuel said Utley will be eased into Grapefruit League play. He does not expect his second baseman to play often early in the schedule. The idea is to preserve him.
That was philosophy Utley apparently followed this winter. Manuel said he altered his workout routine.
"He didn't talk about it a lot," Manuel said. "But he did not do any strenuous work with his knees whatsoever."
The manager said he envisions a similar plan this spring for Placido Polanco. The third baseman has also had difficulty staying on the field.
"We will definitely treat him the same way," Manuel said. "The last couple of years, he's had a hard time staying on the field. It's definitely noticeable."
Other injury notes:
- Jose Contreras said he expects to throw off a mound Tuesday for the first time. Pitching coach Rich Dubee would not confirm that but did say Contreras has looked healthy so far after elbow surgery last September. Still, the Phillies will not know Contreras' status until he proves he can pitch regularly.
- Righthander Justin De Fratus is the only other pitcher limited at the beginning of camp. De Fratus has tightness in his elbow from offseason throwing. He said he expects to be ready by opening day.
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I could never understand why Charlie doesnt take these guys out of games when the Phillies have them well in hand...— Bobphxville
Same old story - then it never happens. How about actually making this happen for a change?— Hazy- It sucks getting old..— outta work
Comment removed.- Hazy, you are correct. They should have acquired a 3B and used Polanco as a super sub. The only way to rest these guys is to give way to many appearances to guys like Valdez and Martinez, which killed them last year.— Bobby G
- They won 102 games. The best record in baseball. This is such a dopey comment. What killed them last year was not hitting in the playoffs. Neither of these guys played in the playoffs.
- He is now a leadoff hitter. Please Charlie get him out of the three and even two hole!— Earl J
- Bobby G: Too many appearances by Valdez and Martinez killed them last year? They ran away with the division. The heart of the order not hitting is what killed them.— p-diddy
- Agree w bobby g. Polanco would be best as a sub for the other infielders. It's dangerous banking on these older guys.— Ballgame
- Comment removed.
- If you want to squeeze a full season (and postseason) out of Utley, you better rest him as often as possible. Both Utley and Charlie need to wake up to this fact.— Dragon13
- if i remember correctly charlie didn't rest him like we thought they should last year. hope they try to save him for the long haul....— phillysportsnut
- Comment removed.
- utley should probably switch to dh for the rest of his career— zwarte piet
- You all can say what you want and agree with whomever you want here..I say the key for the Phils is not to abuse the starters with extra unnecessary innings. Lee and Holiday are in their mid thirties. Cole had " dead-arm/shoulder " symptoms late in the regular season last year. Consistantly asking our starters to make over 200 inning a year will be our undoing. Resting Utley, Polanco and others is important...but giving the STARTERS THE REST THEY NEED IS PARAMOUNT. That's why it's important to have a solid bullpen this year esp.a solid 7th and 8th inning guy. Would have been nice to have signed Madson if for even one year. Bastardo, Stutes, and Contreras need to come thru.— tony b
