Who’s on second? Not Chase Utley.
The All-Star second baseman missed his second straight game yesterday due to patellar tendonitis in his right knee. Utley underwent an MRI Saturday as a precautionary measure, according to Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
“We just don’t want it to get any worse,” Amaro told reporters. “We’ll take it easy on him.”
Utley has been taking regular batting practice with the Phillies, but his knee flares up when he needs to run or field. There is no timetable for Utley to return to spring games. The 32-year-old first felt tendonitis during offseason workouts. He’s confident that proper rest will cure the soreness.
“We have the right people checking it out,” Utley said. “I’d rather miss a few games here than in the season.”
Amaro doesn’t think that the condition will prevent Utley from missing Opening Day.
