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Phillies Spring Training 2012: Chase Utley To See Specialist

This is not good news for Philadelphia Phillies fans.

Chase Utley has left Clearwater, FL to visit a specialist in search of answers on his knee issues. Utley has been bothered by a variety of knee-related ailments, and now has hit a snag in his recovery, according to Spike Eskin of CBS.

This statement was released Monday morning by general manager 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."

If Utley is out for an extended period of time, Philadelphia could be in major trouble. With Ryan Howard already out of the lineup until June at the earliest and Jimmy Rollins a constant injury concern, the Philies lineup isn't overwhelming by any means.

For more on the Philies, be sure to check out The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly for the latest news and updates.