Chase Utley will begin a rehabilitation stint with Philadelphia Phillies single-A affiliate Clearwater on Tuesday, the team announced Monday. The second baseman will DH as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
#Phils 2B Chase Utley will begin an official rehabilitation assignment w/ Clearwater tomorrow (single A). He'll DH.
— Phillies (@philaphillies) June 11, 2012
Utley has been responding very well in extended Spring Training. He went 2-for-5 last Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays with a home run. He went 3-for-4 with another home run two days prior. Utley is running bases, which is a good sign. He still isn't playing defense, however.
Utley has now missed 62 games this season. The Phillies have suffered without his bat in the lineup. The team ranks eighth in the NL with 261 runs scored this season.
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