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.
*
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.
Posted by Todd Zolecki @ 12:24 PM
Permalink |
90 comments
man, what the heck took them this long to realize he needed surgery, if they took care of this right after the world series then it would probably look like he wouldn't miss many games.
Let's just pray the surgery takes care of the issue and he's good to go by June...who's going to play second to start the season????
robm0202...good point, but he just played 176 games and could probably use a week or two to rest and spend time with his family. take a little vacation. once he has surgery, it is back to work rehabbing and getting ready for the season.
Rob- Did you not read the article? They have been examining him since...
Good point Rob, but generally the players will see if a few weeks of non-baseball related activity allows the naggining injury to imrove. If not, and surgery is the only option, a 4 to 6 month recovery quote probably was as big a shock to Chase as it was to you. While Chase was toughing-it-out over the later part of the season, i seriously doubt he or the team knew he had such a serious injury brewing beneath the surface.
The World Series only ended 3 weeks ago.
Robm - give Chase a break. IT's only been 3 weeks since and maybe he was decompressing and enjoying himself for a few weeks. As for surgery, I am not surprised hearing some of the tidbits that came out during season. Looks like Ruben will be saying "nothing" during his tenure as GM
hip surgery....hip ph'ing surgery! that sucks. does highlight what a gamer this guy was during the back half of the 08 season. i'm guessing he'll rehab closer to 4 than 6 mo's
This may not work out too badly. It may give Jason Donald a chance to show what he can do, if only in spring training. Then they'll need to find a permanent place for him.
MrJimmy, I suspect that it'll be Bruntlett, unless they sign Iguchi or someone comparable. This also may well be a nail in Burrell's coffin, because they'll be more likely to want someone who they're comfortable leaving in the outfield for a full 9 if they don't have Bruntlett to lean on.
Jason Donald will be the opening day 2nd baseman then.
Keep Iguchi. Keep F*****g Iguchi.
I think this goes a long way toward explaining his 2nd half. The right hip is crucial for turning on a ball when you are left-handed. Would like to hear Utley come out and say when the problem started.
Guys like Utley come back early. like amaro says, the Bruntletts, Dobbs and Stairs of the world will get more playing time.
Comment removed.
Kind of answers the question why Gillick picked up Iguchi in September when he had no chance to play in the post-season. Look like the Phillies make have anticipated this.
WS was only 3 weeks ago and it's not like you can just walk into a specialist's office and get looked at. Even for Chase Utley, to get in front of two specialists, schedule the needed follow-up tests and get a diagnosis, three weeks is very fast. He was probably lining up the appointments while the series was still going on. Let's just hope he can come back 100% by early next season!
I think I heard champagne popping over at Tadahito's house...
Guy is tough as nails, he'll be back and smfiv you're right, Donald will be a serviceable 2nd baseman until Chase has his legs back.
i believe you made a GREAT point robm0202!!! can't wait till santa gets here, i believe in him too! rob! maybe you should ask santa to bring you a clue!
Bruntlett will do fine until Chase returns. Trade Iguchi.
I believe that Utley and his wife (new wife) left for their Honeymoon following the Phillies parade and I think they were in Africa.. so maybe he just recently returned from his travels, that is why it was not done immediatley following the Series.. this is speculation of course
Comment removed.
I always knew he needed surgery. It was so obvious how this injury coincided with his slump. And at the games you could see him favor it a little. I only wish he had this sooner.
the phils should have gotten holliday for victorino?come on ,vic,s a nice player thats it holliday is a star they always mess up along the way they got all that money,i mean they are doughed up you,ll see they are goona fail at filling burrells spot with quality
utleys cool he made to many errors at second he and howard had weak seasons with the glove,his was almost as bad as howards
I will be the first to say it, but Amaro is already turning out to be a joke. What a mistake the Phils made naming him GM. He has nothing to say about Utley's hip? Are you kidding me? Who is he now, Andy Reid? Lets fire Amaro right now and save ourselves the misery.
nice job reading the tea leaves, Rube, the guy only needed an examination last June....why don't you wait a little longer? Morons.
This just proves he's a gamer, he did'nt want to offer excuses
Don't the players get asked if they are o.k. before they depart to the off-season?!? They did an AWESOME job at the beginning of last year figuring out Jimmy Rollins' ankle injury. It only took them a month of Jimmy being out before they figured that there might not be a bone injury and should authorize an MRI. Stunning stupidity.
Comment removed.
Awfully young for hip surgery, especially as they are not mentioning what they think is wrong. If he has degenerative arhtritis of the hip already, maybe they should be prepping a new infielder in the minors. Remember Reggie Jackson.
It's not their fault. I mean, he wanted to celebrate and soak in the afterglow. I for once don't blame the Phillies at all. He'll be okay and maybe this will make them have more urgency in acquiring an impact player. Who knows. All I know is I have given them the benefit of the doubt for quite some time. They gave me my parade.
Let's stay positive! "Initiation of baseball activities in 3-4 months" means he could be ready by Spring Training. Or at least the very beginning of the season.
Time to get Iguchi back in the fold - or can Bruntlett's Beard hold down the position if it's not needed for late-inning defensive relief in left field?
Scary to think what he will do over a full season healthy. Third MVP in lineup?
look at this another way. how much of a gamer is this guy that he gutted thru this the entire second half and all of the playoffs. most pro athletes would have used this injury to excuse a slump, he never did. and he still came up big in the playoffs whether his glove or a few key hits (homers). unreal.
That explains the lack of power in the second half of the season. Shows what kind of player he is to put up those numbers while obviously having a serious injury for a majority of the year
Sign Tad Iguchi and his interpreter David
I'm sorry to hear that Utley has to go through with this, but I am also relived that there seems to be a resaonable and factual reason for his lack of production in the second half. I was beginning to think that maybe he wasn't the player we all thought he was.
miss the next 4-6 months of what? Golf?
nice to see rueben is off to a good start shovling the bs to the fans and the press , wow that sounds like another team in town
Comment removed.
Comment removed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brunlett plays OF as well, which is why he'll be on team, but won't be starting at 2B
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.
All I can think about is Bo Jackson
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.
Comment removed.
Comment removed.
treatment of any labral or bony injury....."bony injury?" = not good.
I'm much more concerned with the injury to my wallet with all the bailout money that's being wasted.
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.
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.
Hate to say it but moi called it way back in June.....any number of things can be wrong in the hip and they all can be addressed surgically today. The concern is....how is Utley's body responding to the injury? If it's just pain from irritation caused by a loose fragment of bone, that's easy...remove it. If it's a labral injury you hope you can repair it. If you can't it has a real chance to turn chronic and limit his game as will any defect in the bone as it leads to early painful arthritic changes that will only be remedied permanently by a total hip replacement somewhere down the road....it's a dirty shame but we may have seen the last, best remnants of Chase Utley on the baseball diamond....I have no doubts they'll be able to get him back on the field and playing but it may never again be the combination of power, average and all out mayhem on the basepaths that we've come to appreciate. Time will tell....good luck, Chase.
Just an afterthought...but how come no concern/love for Pedro Feliz and his impending back surgery?....it's the worst surgery a 3rd basenman can have besides rotator cuff....I don't think any of us really appreciated how good Feliz was at 3rd last year but I can tell you from past experience as a LH SP that it means everything in the world...you can bet that Hamels and Moyer are praying for him......let's hear a little love for Pedro, Philly.
I'd go with Donald and make sure a left fielder is also signed to give Eric a chance to play in the IF or OF as needed. Prayer for both Chase and Pedro are needed.
Just an afterthought...but how come no concern/love for Pedro Feliz and his impending back surgery?....it's the worst surgery a 3rd basenman can have besides rotator cuff....I don't think any of us really appreciated how good Feliz was at 3rd last year but I can tell you from past experience as a LH SP that it means everything in the world...you can bet that Hamels and Moyer are praying for him......let's hear a little love for Pedro, Philly.
Just an afterthought...but how come no concern/love for Pedro Feliz and his impending back surgery?....it's the worst surgery a 3rd basenman can have besides rotator cuff....I don't think any of us really appreciated how good Feliz was at 3rd last year but I can tell you from past experience as a LH SP that it means everything in the world...you can bet that Hamels and Moyer are praying for him......let's hear a little love for Pedro, Philly.
Mark, we all feel for Feliz as wel, but he has a replacement in Dobbs. In face, Dobbs was platooning with him for a while in August Sept before and after the injury. With Utley there is no replacemet. At best we have a fill in who won't hurt us too badly
Comment removed.
Comment removed.
Looks like an outstanding chance to get Jason Donald some valuable playing time.
I find all the references to Bo Jackson hysterical. The guy destroyed his entire hip socket, and had to have a complete hip replacement (you know, like elderly people with osteoperosis get after they fall getting out of the shower???)... that plastic replacement hip socket is not conducive to being a pro athelete, yet he tried anyway, and it wore down and led to other issues. Chase Utley is NOT having hip replacement surgery. If he needed a hip replacement, he wouldn't have been able to play the last four months of the season and post-season. What an awful comparison. And for those who think he shouldn't have "ignored his injury", you people must not have enjoyed that parade too much, huh? Mets fan, or what? Does anyone really think the Phillies would have won the World Series if Utley had been gone on the shelf in mid-June and been done for the season? Good grief. Bring in a cheap aging veteran, let him compete with Donald in Spring Training for the job, and allow the winner to man 2B for the start of the season. If my math is right (and counting to 6 is not beyond me quite yet), Utley is back by the end of May, and that is the worst case scenario, for a guy who returned early from his only other serious injury. Last time it was 4-6 weeks, and he returned in exactly 4 weeks. If he pulls that again, he could (in theory) be back by Opening Day. I have confidence he'll be back somewhere around May 1. All you need is a 22-game stop gap player to hold the fort in April... which by the way is a nice, convenient little weak spot in the schedule. This may, however, put more emphasis on getting a legit LF who can drive in runs.
This explains why we were getting all those reports that they were looking for a lefthanded bat like Ibanez and Hermida to replace Burrell. The opening day second baseman will be a right handed bat. Gotta keep Charlie's balance.
Jeff, I like Dobbs, I really do but he can't even begin to compare to Feliz defensively...pitchers know that and value that. There are certain ways/pitches we lefties use to get RH hitters out and without a GG quality 3rd baseman to bail us out, we'd all be in deep doo-doo....
Mark: I agree about the differences between Feliz and Dobbs, however Feliz is projeted to be back by opening day. He's out 4-8 weeks. That means he should be ready by beginning of Feb at latest. If for first few games he can't go no biggie. No reason to panic and ruin the team for a few games. Bigger problem is 2B and LF
The silver lining is that when he comes back, ideally, he'll be able to hit like he did the first half of this year.
Jeff, I have no doubts that Pedro will be back sooner...my primary concern will be his play. I doubt that he will have that range into the hole, that backhand quickness down the line or the ability to charge and throw on the run...all strong points for him and what separates him from Dobbs,Bruntlett, etc. He'll play, but will he be the old Pedro? I kinda doubt it.
Yeah, Utley sucks. Get a new drink Bob. That whiskey is warping your brain. Utley is the best 2B in baseball and that includes the AL MVP. Idiot!
When is Truth going to show up and tell us this is no big deal....At least we still have Ryan Howard.....
You have to wonder, if Chase playing through the injury made things worse. But my guess, since possible post-season surgery was mentioned by the team before the end of the season, is probably not. My vote for a fill-in (if needed!) goes to Bruntlett. He did a great job filling in for J.Roll, and a couple of times for Chase. He's a much better infielder than outfielder. Of course, he doesn't have the bat that Chase has. And didn't we already release Iguchi?
I think Iguchi was officially sent down to AAA. I don't know if he accepted it however. He wants to play regularily or he may go back to Japan. He would be the best temporary option if Utley misses any sigifigant time. I don't know if Jason Donald is ready to play 2B. He's played most SS in his career and it's not as easy as it may seem to learn to play 2b. Good luck Chase and get well soon! You too Happy!
Yeah, Norma. You've got to figure that, even though everything was kept close to the vest, the Phils kept a very close eye on Utley. I expect that they had him examined, scanned, and tested throughout the season (at least I hope they did) to ensure that no further damage was taking place. If there was, I'd like to think they would have shut him down at some point. I just can't see them sending him out there every day with total disregard and jeopardizing the rest of his career (Especially since, at the risk of being cynical, Utley is under contract for 4 more years.).
I like Felipe Lopez. I don't know where his speed went in 2008, but I'd overpay for his bat as insurance for 2B and 3B, and even some help in the OF
Comment removed.
Comment removed.
Comment removed.
Can eaton play second?
This is the perfect time for Cholly to finally split Utley and Howard in the order. I know,I know,I know, the Phillies are freaking world champions but one of the things that made winning it very challeging was having our two lefthanded monsters batting back to back. It seemed that any opposing lefty out of the bullpen had pretty decent success shutting them down. If we remember correctly, against lefthanded starters, Cholly moved Utley to the 2nd hole while he moved Werth batting third. I didnt think that move was 100% right. Utley batting second was perfect, Werth batting third wasnt bad, but how could he move Victorino out of the top of the batting order!!?? Yes, he had success there in the play-offs and our boys won the whole thing but we could of (imagine this!) gotten there quicker and would swept every series if we had this line up i'm gonna lay on you guys. 1. Victorino SH 2. Utley LH 3. Rollins yep J-Roll! SH 4. Howard LH 5. Werth RH. 6. Left Field Platoon 7. Feliz RH 8. Ruiz RH. This line up would run on, manufacture and just pound the hell every pitcher they meet. We unfortunatly have to find our 3rd hitter to start the season so why not J-Roll? Have a nice day peoples..Lets win two
There's a link on the Phillies site to the conference call. I felt better after I listened to it. This injury has been closely monitored since day one. The only reason surgery was opted for, is because all the traditional treatment that Chase received during the season, didn't improve his hip, as expected. I also thought it was pretty interesting, that Ruben thought Chase's lack of production late in the season was *mechanics*. And he also thought some of it was *mental*, with Chase thinking about the injury. Blamed it less on the injury. I'm sure there was definitely a *mental* aspect. Scott Sheriden conducted most of the conference call. Very interesting info. Check it out.
Jason Donald is ready; give 'em a chance!
Iguchi did a nice job filling him for Utley the season before last. Between him and Donald they'll be fine until Utley returns. No need to panic.
um, obviously that was intended to read ... "filling in for Utley" ...
I probably shouldn't write these things when it's late and I'm tired.
90 comments | View All By Latest | Paginate Comments
About Andy Martino
PHILLIES SCOREBOARD
Philly.com Promotions
- News | Sports | Business | What's Happening | Restaurants & Food | Entertainment | Living | Marketplace | Jobs
Site Services:
Classifieds:
- Jobs | Cars | Real Estate | Rentals | Marketplace | Celebrations
Partners:
