Utley Makes Second Extended Spring Appearance

TAMPA, Fl. (RSEN)–Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley made his second extended spring start batting third every inning and playing second for four of the game’s seven innings.

     Facing the Yankees squad,  the five time all star went 1-7 at the plate and played four errorless innings at second.

     “It was good,” said Utley, “I played little bit more, played a few innings back to back a couple different times so, so far so good.

     Covering second during a steal of second Utley had to leap to keep the errant throw in the infield.

     “Not yet,” said Utley of any problems landing after the leap, “Like I said, so far so good.”

     Plans still are not firm yet as to when Utley will play next.

     “I’m not sure what the plan is, I have to talk to (GM) Ruben (Amaro Jr.) and (trainer) Dutch Sheridan and see what the next step is.  I’m just trying to get as many reps as I can, as long as I can feel good.”

     At the plate in his two extended spring games Utley is a total of 6-14, 0-5 with two strike outs and only one ball hit out of the infield against right-handers, all today.  Against lefties, Utley is 6-9 with two homers four singles including legging out another infield hit today.

     Twice during the game the rookie plate umpire took a couple balls in a tender spot, the second courtesy of Utley.

     “He had a rough game,” said Utley after the game in sympathy.

     Remember fans if you want to have the best seat in the house (plate umpire) you might have to pay a bit more.