Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley wasted no time in making an impact in his debut for the 2012 season.

In his first at-bat of the season, Utley smashed a solo home run to right center at Citizens Bank Park on Pittsburgh pitcher James McDonald in the bottom of first inning. The homer gave the Phillies a 1-0 in the game.

Utley had missed the entire season up to Wednesday night's game with with a knee problem (bilateral chondromalacia). Last season, Utley hit .259 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI. The home run against the Pirates gave Utley 189 for his career. The RBI was his 695th of his MLB career.

Utley was activated for the game against the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon. The Phils optioned infielder Michael Martinez to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for Utley in the lineup.

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