Phillies Notebook: Utley plays in simulated game; Amaro upbeat about return

Since the Phillies shut down their star second baseman in late February, the only certainty about Chase Utley's recovery from a painful knee condition has been the club's steadfast refusal to even address a timetable for his return.

That did not change yesterday, when Ruben Amaro Jr. briefed the media on his team's densely populated disabled list. But the general manager's tone was far more upbeat than it has been at any point over the previous 2 months, and there are plenty of indications that the Phillies are expecting Utley to return at some point this month.

Yesterday, Utley participated in a short simulated game in which he took batting practice, fielded ground balls, then sat on the bench in an effort to replicate the periods of inactivity that occur during the game.

"We'll find out [today] how he feels, and if he feels OK [today], we'll try it again on Tuesday," Amaro said. "He's made a progression. It's good. If he comes out of it OK, then it's good."

The next big step could be a rehab assignment that will take on the feel of an abbreviated spring training. Although the team's No. 3 hitter has continued to take batting practice throughout his absence, he has not faced live pitching - that is, full speed from a human being - since late February. The perennial All-Star has made a habit of speedy returns, but this time around he will not be able to draw on a half-season's worth of major league at-bats, as he did last season at the end of a 6-week layoff due to wrist surgery.

"I think this is different" than last year, said manager Charlie Manuel. "I think he'll tell us when he's ready by how he is playing."

Utley is not the only potential upgrade the Phillies might make to their struggling offense over the next month. Rightfielder Domonic Brown was activated from the disabled list and optioned to Triple A Lehigh Valley yesterday after a 7-week recovery from surgery to repair a broken bone in his right hand. In five rehab games at High A Clearwater, the organization's No. 1 prospect went 7-for-19 (.368) with two home runs, a double, three strikeouts and two walks. Brown entered spring training competing for playing time in the outfield, but struggled in six Grapefruit League games, going 1-for-16 (.063) with nine strikeouts and three walks.

With leftfielder Raul Ibanez struggling - he entered yesterday hitless in his previous 30 at-bats - Brown could get an opportunity with the Phillies. First, though, he needs to convince the organization's decision makers that he is ready for such a role.

"A lot of it depends on what is happening here, on what our needs are here, and how well he is playing," Amaro said. "I'm not going to bring up Domonic Brown just to bring up Domonic Brown. I'm going to bring up Domonic Brown when he is ready to play in the big leagues and be a contributor."

Veteran righthander Roy Oswalt is expected to rejoin the team on Thursday, 8 days after he flew back to his hometown in Mississippi in the wake of the deadly system of storms that swept through the South last week. The Phillies will be able to compensate for his absence without making personnel moves or pitching anybody on short rest, thanks to off days today and last Thursday.

Lefthander Cole Hamels still will be operating on an extra day of rest when he starts in place of Oswalt tomorrow against the Nationals. He will be followed by righties Vance Worley and Roy Halladay (Wednesday and Thursday against Washington) and lefty Cliff Lee (Friday vs. Atlanta).

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. estimated that Oswalt would be available to start on Saturday or Sunday, assuming he throws a bullpen session on Thursday. Saturday would be ideal, since the rest of the rotation would not be starting on normal rest.

Oswalt flew back to Choctaw County, Miss., after last week's storms, which his family rode out in a tornado shelter. One fatality and a handful of injuries were reported in the county. Oswalt's family was unharmed, but his in-laws' property suffered damage.

J.C. Romero (calf) said he expects to be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday. The veteran southpaw threw a bullpen session and participated in fielding practice yesterday. He is scheduled to make his first rehab appearance tomorrow at Class A Lakewood. Romero, sidelined since April 18, is hopeful that he will not need a second minor league game . . . Ruben Amaro Jr. said he does not expect catcher Carlos Ruiz to be placed on the disabled list, although, at this point, it looks like the Phillies will keep Dane Sardinha around until at least Wednesday, when they might need to clear a roster spot for Romero. Ruiz has not played since leaving Wednesday's win over the Diamondbacks with pain in his lower back. The Phillies could put Ruiz on the disabled list at any time and back-date the transaction until the last time he played. But Amaro said Ruiz is getting closer to a return, saying, "I don't think he's game ready yet, but he is improved" . . . Righthander Brad Lidge (rotator cuff) felt good after playing catch on flat-ground on Saturday, his first throwing work since late March. Lidge, who is targeting a June return, will throw again today.