Utley Close To Returning to Phillies

Chase Utley. (Charles Fox/ Philly.com Staff Photographer)

It’s been a difficult season for Chase Utley, there’s no way around it. Even before his injury in mid-June, he was struggling. The 36 year old second baseman was hitting just .179 and had just four home runs, a far cry from the numbers the Philly faithful are used to from their second baseman.

Utley’s rehab assignment took a turn for the positive in class Double A affiliate, Reading’s 11-1 victory over the Trenton Thunder. The former all-star went 3-4, including an RBI double. It is conceivable that Utley could return to the Phillies lineup this as soon as this afternoon when they take on the Dodgers at 1 pm.

“I’ll consult with the Phillies [today],” said Utley, “I’ll go to the stadium in the morning and see what happens. Nothing is set in stone. We’ll talk about it and make a plan from there.”

This afternoon is Philadelphia’s last game at home before embarking on a ten game West Coast trip that begins in San Diego against the Padres tomorrow.