Utley heading to Arizona for rehab

April 3, 2012

nj.com

Chase Utley's knee problems have been one of the biggest headlines of this year's spring training for the Phillies.

Utley has not played in any spring training games (or the two on-deck series games), and today GM Ruben Amaro Jr. announced that Utley will start the 2012 regular season on the disabled list.

Utley has struggled with chondromalacia in his left knee, and will be going to Arizona to rehab with his physical therapist Brett Fischer according to a report by John Finger of CSNPhilly.com.


According to Finger, Utley contacted Fischer a couple weeks ago, when he left Clearwater because of his knee injury. Fischer gave Utley new exercises to help his knees.

Finger reports that Utley and the organization decided that him leaving to rehab with Fischer in Arizona is the berst option for both sides right now. Amaro stated that it would be less of a distraction.

It is the second time in two years that Utley will begin the season on the DL. He missed the first 47 games in 2011 with the same knee injury, only in his right knee instead of his left.

Although Utley continues to have problems with his knees, Amaro said that,"he’s been progressing pretty well, but he has to build on the progression."

Amaro also said Utley will meet with the team when they make their first road trip out to the west coast. They will be in Arizona for a three game series against the Diamondbacks through April 23-25.

“We’re looking forward to getting him back as soon as he starts to feel better,” Amaro said.


Other Phillies on the DL

There are four other Phillies who will be on the disabled list at the start of the season.

Ryan Howard continues to recover from the surgery to fix his ruptured achilles tendon.

Howard was making progress in his recovery until the incision made in his heel became infected. The infection has been healing weel according to Finger, but there is no timetable for when he can start doing any batting or fielding workouts, a huge step back from a return to the lineup.

Jose Contreras continues to recover from his off-season elbow surgery, and Justin DeFratus has elbow soreness.

Michael Martinez has a broken right foot after being hit by a pitch during a spring training game against Baltimore.

A sixth player could possibly be going on the DL as well. Michael Stutes has had a sore shoulder. Finger reports that Stutes being put on the DL depends on how comfortably he pitches in tonight's on-deck series game against Pittsburgh.

Amaro will make the decision on Stutes after the game according to Finger.