Utley to Have Hip Surgery, Out 4 to 6 Months
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Utley to Have Hip Surgery, Out 4 to 6 Months
Todd Zolecki
Chase Utley will have right hip surgery, and will miss the next four to six months.
The Phillies said in a news release that since the end of the World Series, Utley "has had several diagnostic studies in regards to right hip symptoms that he had during the 2008 season." He has been evaluated by team physician Michael Ciccotti at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
The release said, "Based on the diagnostic studies and examinations, it has been recommended that Utley have surgery on his right hip, which is scheduled for next week. The procedure will be an arthroscopic evaluation with treatment of any labral or bony injury. The recovery will allow for the initiation of baseball activities between three and four months, however, the total recovery time may require four to six months."
Four to six months means Utley could be back as early as the beginning of the season and as late as June.
I asked Ruben Amaro Jr. about Utley's hip last week. He said, "There's really not much to say about it, other than we're monitoring it." Asked about any scheduled surgeries, Amaro said: "Not at this time. At least at this time we don't view it as an issue."
Turns out it was.
Amaro just said on a conference call with reporters that he doesn't expect Utley's injury to change the way he approaches the off-season.
"You don’t necessarily replace an Utley, but at the same time we really feel … he’s going to be fairly close to ready, if not ready, by opening day," Amaro said. "A lot of it depends on how the rehab goes, how the surgery goes. This is not an exact science. But we fully expect to have Chase Utley with us for the bulk of the season, so I’d have to say frankly as far as how we go about our business with our club, it probably won’t change significantly.”
But if Utley is not ready to play by the April 5 season opener against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies think they have at least two in-house options that can play second base until Utley returns. Eric Bruntlett filled in for shortstop Jimmy Rollins early this season, when Rollins spent time on the disabled list with a sprained ankle. He obviously has big-league experience. Jason Donald, one of the team’s top prospects, also is an option. He is hitting .407 with 12 doubles, two triples, five home runs and 17 RBIs in the Arizona Fall League. His 1.223 on-base-plus-slugging percentage is second in the league.
The Phillies could bring in another infielder, but if they do it would be more of a utility player.
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Pedro Feliz will have back surgery.
Feliz will have low back surgery on November 20. He was on the disabled list during the 2008 season for 26 days in relation to a low back injury and "had intermittent symptoms at the end of the season that deemed off-season follow-up necessary." Robert Watkins in Los Angeles will perform the surgery, which is scheduled to be a lumbar discectomy. After surgery, Feliz will complete an eight-to-12 week rehabilitation program.
everyone relax!! Utley will be back by end of May. For first two months either Donald, Brunlett or Iguchi plays 2b. We definately don't go out and get a 2b to replace Utley-we use what we have. More problomatic is 3b. If you play Dobbs everyday there, he can't platoon in LF not PH. We have no one else who can play the hot corner.— jeff gross- 4-6 months is an awful long recovery time for surgery for someone as young as Chase Utley. As mentioned above, I am concerned that this is a degenerative problem (although, the poster meant Bo Jackson, not Reggie Jackson). As for the delay, it was reported that he and his wife were going to Africa for their honeymoon. So I wonder if the delay was based on that trip. I really hope the best for him. If he comes back from this, he is a surefire future Hall of Famer. Plus, what a great guy to have in Philly. His parade speech cemented him in my all time favorite list.— rs505
- I wouldn't mind seeing Iguchi man second base again while Chase is recovering. He did a great job in 2007 for that month.
- Nobody Panic, we'll be in good shape.— RDL
- If being a "gamer" means "ignoring your injuries" then there are a lot more "gamers" out there than Utley. Nice of him to potentially jeopardize his career for us by playing through the pain. Maybe he WAS on Percocets already, which is why he slurred through the f word in his little victory speech. Iguchi did an excellent job covering 2nd when Utley was out with his hand injury; the Phils should dump Bruntlett before they dump him. Bruntlett brought nothing unique to the team, nor did Geoff Jenkins.— knxvil
- Brunlett plays OF as well, which is why he'll be on team, but won't be starting at 2B— jeff gross
- I just hope this doesn't turn into one of these strange, chronic degenerative things. I'm concerned, because it doesn't seem like he actually "hurt" the hip in any direct way, but has been dealing with some sort of nagging issue. I'd like to get more information on exactly what the problem is and what they're going to be doing during the surgery.— Tim418
- All I can think about is Bo Jackson— fla
- This shows me that he is a class act!! He never let ego get in way of his ultimate goal. I`ll make sure my children watch the rest of this man`s career.— Trulz923
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- I'm much more concerned with the injury to my wallet with all the bailout money that's being wasted.— tonyS
- I had the same arthroscopic surgery for a torn labrum in my right hip performed by the same doctor mentioned in the article, Dr. Bryan Kelly, at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York two years ago. I rehabbed for 3 months and was fine. At Chase's age, combined with the time he has to focus on his rehabilitation, he should be more than ready for next season if it is just a torn hip labrum. The article doesn't mention who is performing the surgery but, if it is Dr. Kelly, Chase is in very good hands. He is one of the leading experts in the coutry on this surgery.— PhillyJimbo
- Seems like everyone and his brother was right about an injury disrupting Utley's offense this year. Blessings upon him for coming through as often as he managed to do. This guy re-defines "gamer",and his defense NEVER seemed to suffer......but I'll bet he was in a lot of pain. Good point by philauresearch about this maybe keeping Burrell off the team by needing to go after a semi-replacement for Chase. I'm sure all of us send along our high hopes and good wishes to a very tough Chase Utley.— TBear
