Phillies Notes: Phillies have positive report on Blanton

Phillies righthander Joe Blanton was encouraged after throwing an afternoon bullpen session before Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.

Blanton is on the disabled list with a right elbow impingement. (An impingement occurs when a thin layer of membrane that lines the elbow becomes caught in the elbow joint.) Blanton is eligible to come off the disabled list on Monday, which is his goal.

"I threw about 30 pitches in the bullpen, and everything went well," said Blanton, who is 0-1 with a 5.92 ERA.

He did not throw his entire repertoire.

"I didn't throw any curves or sliders, but I threw sinkers, cutters, and change-ups," Blanton said. "It was a good start. I threw curves and sliders on flat ground yesterday and felt fine."

Blanton planned to play catch on Friday and throw another bullpen session on Saturday.

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee said if Blanton is feeling good, he doesn't see a need for a minor-league tune-up. If that is the case, Blanton's turn in the rotation would come Monday in Florida against the Marlins. His goal is to get the ball.

"I don't see any reason why I couldn't pitch then," Blanton said. "I haven't missed much time, and I feel good so far."

Second baseman Chase Utley, who has yet to play a game because of his injured right knee, could be getting ready to increase his activity.

Utley, who fielded grounders and took batting practice Thursday afternoon, has shown encouraging signs.

"He has done pretty well so far," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We're trying to decide what his next step is."

Utley will head to Clearwater, Fla., for extended spring training or a rehabilitation assignment.

"We haven't set any schedules yet," Amaro said. "I would assume it'll be a slow progression."

In Blanton's absence, righthander Vance Worley has pitched like the four Phillies aces. Worley is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA. He has struck out 12 and walked four in 12 innings.

Dubee said he likes Worley's "pitchability" - the ability to get batters out in a variety of ways.

"He can back-door breaking balls," Dubee said. "He can front-door you with that sinker like he did to lefthanders."

Dubee also likes Worley's mental approach.

"He has some knowledge," the coach said. "He is a sharp kid."

That said, if Blanton comes back, it's likely that Worley would be sent back to triple-A Lehigh Valley instead of staying with the Phillies and throwing out of the bullpen, Amaro said.

"I think we need to keep him stretched out," the GM said. "Until Joe Blanton is in the rotation, he is taking up the spot and doing quite well."

Catcher Carlos Ruiz has not played since April 27 because of a sore back, and he has had a slight setback, Amaro said.

"He was going real good and then took some [batting practice] and took some swings and didn't feel real good afterward, and he is still not necessarily available," Amaro said. "He was progressing really well, and he kind of tweaked himself a little bit."

Amaro said Ruiz could be put on the disabled list.

"A decision will be made in the next day or so," the general manager said.

Amaro said closer Brad Lidge, on the disabled list with a right shoulder injury, felt strong after throwing Wednesday. . . . The Atlanta Braves, who visit Citizens Bank Park for a weekend series, went 1-2 against the Phillies in their first series in Atlanta. . . . The Phillies have won five series against National League East teams, with the sixth ending in a tie (1-1 against Florida on April 15 and 17).