Utley plays in simulated game
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Utley plays in simulated game
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
The progressions of Chase Utley have been measured in accomplishing simple baseball tasks made difficult by a bad right knee. Sunday brought another: Utley played in a "semi-simulated type of thing" as described by Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.
What does that mean? Utley saw breaking balls for the first time since the first week of spring training. Pitching coach Rich Dubee threw him a few -- not from off the mound, but just in front of it like batting practice. Utley then ran the bases and also took grounders at second base. To simulate a game, he sat in the dugout in between innings for a few minutes.
This happened for around three innings and it represents a huge progression in Utley's recovery. The Phillies have been reluctant to put any sort of timetable on a return, but Amaro did not rule out Utley being able to go to Florida by the end of the week to begin playing in games.
"This is a good sign," Amaro said.
The Phillies and Utley will not know how good until Monday, when he will feel some of the after effects of increased activity. But if those side effects are minimal, the plan is for Utley to do another simulated game Tuesday.
The repetition and increased workload suggests he is close to rehab game readiness.
That does not mean Utley will return after three minor-league games like has from injuries in the past. This rehab will require a prolonged stint seeing live pitching since Utley has not played in an actual game since Oct. 23, 2010 -- Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.
"It's different because he hasn't really gone through spring training," Amaro said. "He hasn't had any live at-bats. He's hitting here every day but that's different."
The Phillies will not know how long Utley needs until he starts playing in games. They will not know how much this condition will need to be managed when he returns. And they will not know exactly which Utley they will have until he actually plays.
"He says he feels OK," Amaro said. "That's OK for me."
***
Roy Oswalt will rejoin the team Thursday. That means he'll start either Saturday or Sunday. So everyone will move up a day, meaning Cole Hamels pitches Tuesday, Vance Worley on Wednesday and Roy Halladay on Thursday. But because of Monday's off day everyone is on regular rest. (Hamels actually has an extra day still because of Thursday's day off.)
***
Domonic Brown was activated from the disabled list and optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley. He will begin play there Monday.
***
Joe Blanton is scheduled to throw Tuesday off flat ground. J.C. Romero threw a bullpen and did some fielding practice. He is going to single-A Lakewood on Tuesday and could return as early as Wednesday. Carlos Ruiz is feeling better but not game ready. Amaro is hoping he's good by Tuesday, but Dane Sardinha will likely stick around for a few more days.
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Phillies minor leaguer Cody Overbeck is tearing it up at AA Reading. Cody was a 3rd baseman before this year and they are now playing him at 1st. The only thing I can imagine is his defense at 3rd is not cutting it. Polanco (Phills best player) has another year on contract. Overbeck if able could play 3rd and PP 2nd. None of this is startling news to Phills mgt. Would like to know why change in Cody's position?— Don w- While my heart goes out to Ibanez, I think it is time to at least platoon him. Change for change sake sometimes improves the situation. Platoon with Mayberry gives Mayberry a chance at some more at bats while Ibanez gets his head together. We need more offense, and I don't think we will see Utley soon.— JohnFC
- LOL, well done Orange Rhino. Filzfan, you too.— n62
- I propose that we start calling .150 the "Ibanez Line." Right now I believe he's below it.— orange rhino
- I write this while watching the 8th inning in tonight's game against the Mets. Mayberry gets it started with a walk and ties the game on Howard's single. Ibanez grounds out with the bases loaded. WAKE UP CHARLIE!!!!!! The era of Raaauuuuuuuuuuuul is DONE.
- Simulated games? That's where Rauuuul needs to be playing.— filzfan
- Vermont, I heard that idea for a nickname for Brown a year ago.— phillyinsd
- And I forgot Brown... it'll be interesting what roster move they make. I think it'll be Stutes, unfortunately, because I like his ability to miss bats. Suddenly this team is looking very deep.— conceptual_bro
- Today I was having coffee and a bagel at the Bristol Bakery and Café (Vermont). In walks a man with his two boys - with a Phillies cap on (blue with the red P and bill). Believe me, it's RARE to find Phillies fans up here...everyone's either Red Sox or Yankees. This guy actually lived in a nearby town...originally from Flourtown. We had a good chat.— VermontPhilsFan
- Hopefully within a month, IN: Utley, Romero, Blanton, Contreras. OUT: Zagurski, Herndon, Worley and Orr.— conceptual_bro
- Re Chase - it will be great to have the "Kashmir" intro once again playing at CBP.
I'm coining Domonic Brown's future nickname: THE DOMONATOR (you saw it here first).— VermontPhilsFan - GREAT news. it would be wonderful if the guy doesn't need surgery. got my fingers crossed.— AlexSp
- Brooky, shame on you: You are really drinking the punch. anyone who saw the footage of utley running on espn could see he is running as if he is on eggs. He is not coming back any time soon. Keep enjoying the punch. . . and open your eyes.— TheSage
- Good news all around.— bpkrier
- Check out Dom with the 'Pigs...— M60tanker
- Welcome back Brownie— NewMick314
