Phillies Second Baseman Chase Utley To Start Season On DL

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Stating what had been obvious for some time now, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said second baseman Chase Utley will start the season on the disabled list.


“I would think so,” Amaro said Thursday morning. “We’re a week away [from opening day] and he hasn’t been on the field yet.”

Utley is suffering from chronic patellar tendinitis in his right knee. The Phillies are treating the injury with rest and rehab, hoping to avoid surgery. There is no timetable for his return.

“There’s really nothing new,” Amaro said. “I think it feels better but it’s kind of a long term process.”

Utley takes batting practice daily but is not running. He takes ground balls while seated on a stool.

With Utley out, Wilson Valdez and Luis Castillo are competing for the second base job. Castillo, signed to a minor-league contract after his release by the Mets last week, will either make the Phils’ opening day roster or be cut loose.

Utley was not available to reporters Thursday. The Phils break camp on Monday. A Phillies official said he would speak with reporters before camp ends.


SOURCE: Jim Salisbury