Chase Utley Rehabs, Eyes Imminent Return

So much for late August/early September? It seems Chase Utley may be on the verge of returning to the Phillies’ lineup:

Utley is scheduled to play both games of Clearwater’s doubleheader on Monday, likely serving as the designated hitter for the second game. Asked if he could be with the big club on Tuesday, manager Charlie Manuel said it was “a probability.”

The Phillies have made no definitive statements regarding Utley’s return, but Will Carroll agrees with the notion that he could and should come back early this week. Which isn’t to say that he’ll be at 100 percent from the get-go, but just being able to pencil Utley’s name into the lineup card should provide a tremendous boost.