Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley could begin rehab assignment tomorrow

Philadelphia Phillies veteran second baseman Chase Utley set a mid-June return from an oblique injury as his goal, and it will be interesting to see if he can make it back soon in order to fulfill this. Utley, however, will be sure to begin his rehab start in mid-June, as the Philadelphia Daily News’s Ryan Lawrence reports that Utley could began his rehab assignment tomorrow night which would be a step in the right direction for the second baseman.

Utley took batting practice with his teammates recently before games against the Colorado Rockies, and he reportedly took his cuts without any issues. The 34-year-old left-handed batter has no right oblique issues, and he should be back with the Phillies at the end of this week following some successful tuneup time on a minor league rehab assignment.

It sounds like we should be optimistic regarding Utley, and the Phillies will have their second baseman back by next weekend, barring any unforeseen setbacks. Utley’s batting practice report was very encouraging, and he should be off of the 15-day disabled list in no time. His strained right oblique has always been progressing steadily well, and the Phillies are happy with what has been going on. Utley will most likely return to the team over the weekend for the rivalry series against the New York Mets, as the Phillies have a long road-trip following the Mets series.

This season Utley has seven home runs, 25 RBIs, and a .804 OPS in 44 games and 158 at-bats, and the Phillies will be better off in all facets (offense and defense) with Utley back in the fold.