Chase Utley Leaves Clearwater To See A Specialist

March 19, 2012 9:45 AM

(credit: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

By Spike Eskin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – If you weren’t worried about Chase Utley’s health yet, this might put you over the edge.

The Phillies have released the following statement from Ruben Amaro Jr.:

“Chase’s rehab process has come to a bit of a plateau. He has made some strides but not enough to take the field. He is headed out of town for a few days to be evaluated by a specialist that has helped athletes overcome his issue. We anticipate that this trip will allow him to build on what he has already done with Scott Sheridan in order to get over the hump. He wants more than anything to be on the field with his teammates and we believe that this is a step in that direction.”

Utley has not played in a game this Spring Training, and has seen limited action outside of taking batting practice.

Ruben Amaro said that Chase Utley is doubtful to be ready for opening day, and Freddy Galvis will be the starting second baseman if Utley is unable to play.

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grumpy

I hope that they have a strong bench. Rust is setting in.
boobirds

Stick a fok in him
Joe

Seems like Chase is always hurt. Still, it’s a long season, it’s a Marathon not a sprint. The Cards and the Giants were both good teams, but they also peaked at the right time and won the Series the last two years on what was really a later season surge. The Cards didn’t even make it into the playoffs until the last day of the season. It’s not even April. If it were August, I’d be worried.
Donald Andisik

Sure hope that this doesn’t mean an early retirement. The Phillies lineup is running out of gas.