Monday, August 20, 2007

Aug. 20 -- BACK IN THE SWING

Chase Utley can finally swing a bat.

Cue the Hallelujah chorus.

Utley got clearance today from hand specialist Dr. Randall Culp to increase his workout routine this week. That includes swinging a bat, and knowing Utley, there's a better than even chance he drove to Citizens Bank Park in the rain today to take a few cuts in the cage. For more than a week, Utley has been walking around with a bat in his hand, ready to swing it at something. Now, he finally can.

So, when will Utley return to his No. 3 spot in the Phillies' lineup? Well, that will be determined by the level of pain he can tolerate. His broken right hand isn't healed yet, but if he can handle the discomfort, I think you'll see him playing by next Monday against the Mets, maybe even sooner than that.

More on this tomorrow in the 50-center.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope he doesn't come back too soon and re injures his wrist.

Are his power numbers going to go down the rest of the year because of the wrist? Keep an eye on it...

Anonymous said...

I agree! Having Utley back would be the best thing to happen right now for the team. But reinjuring his hand would keep him out of playoffs (if we make it) and possibly hurt him for next spring! be smart Gillick!