Utley awaits word on joining lineup

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Chase Utley, who is coming back from a torn ligament in his right thumb, still appears to be ahead of schedule and will be back in Philadelphia on Tuesday after a rehabilitation assignment with the single-A Clearwater Threshers.

But the chances of the all-star second baseman returning to the lineup this week are a bit unclear.

Utley ended his rehabilitation assignment by playing in a doubleheader against Lakeland on Monday. After four games with the Threshers, a stretch in which he was 3 for 12, Utley flew back to Philadelphia.

Utley was asked where he'll play next. "I have no idea," he said. "It's something I'll have to discuss when I get back to Philadelphia."

Charley Kerfeld, the Phillies' special assistant to the general manager, was in Clearwater to evaluate Utley. Kerfeld said the second baseman could use a few more plate appearances in the minors to get his timing down.

"They'll make the final decision in Philadelphia, but I think he probably needs a few more games," Kerfeld said.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. was not available for comment.

On Monday, Utley played second base in the first game and was a designated hitter in the second. He went 1 for 3 in the opener, flying out twice before hitting an RBI single in the seventh inning. In the field, he misplayed a ball that was ruled a single and committed an error while covering second base on what could have been a routine double play.

In the nightcap, Utley hit a stand-up triple in the first inning, then struck out and walked before leaving in the fifth to head back to Philadelphia.

"Just trying to get back in the flow of the game," Utley said before the start of the nightcap. "Trying to get some at-bats, get some timing down. That was the goal down here. I think we are progressing in the right direction."

Doctors and the Phillies' athletic training staff had expected Utley to be sidelined for six to eight weeks after surgery July 1. He is still well ahead of his expected return date of about Aug. 26.

This isn't the first time Utley has accelerated a return from surgery. After the 2008 season, he underwent hip surgery and was not expected back until May. But he played in some spring-training games and was ready on opening day.

On Wednesday, Utley was cleared to start swinging a bat by hand specialist Andrew Weiland, who performed the surgery on his thumb.

On Friday, Utley worked out at the Phillies' Clearwater complex and felt healthy enough to play in a game.

"Once I was able to move it, I just tried to strengthen it a little bit," Utley said of his thumb. "I think we are going in the right direction. So far, so good."