Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley's rehab assignment is off a a good start.
Utley collected a pair of hits and drew a walk in his first rehab game Sunday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. It was the first game action since June 22 for Utley, who has been bothered all year by a nagging ankle injury.
"It definitely feels better than it has all year," Utley told the Morning Call. The six-time All-Star will continue his rehab assignment Tuesday and Wednesday at Double-A Reading before he is re-evaluated.
While Utley has been supplanted in Philadelphia's starting lineup by Cesar Hernandez, interim manager Pete Mackanin promised the 36-year-old second baseman that he will see playing time upon his return.
"I'm not going to just dump Chase Utley on the bench," said Mackanin, mentioning that Utley may see time at first base. "He has value and I think he has a lot left."
Utley is batting a paltry .179 on the season and did not have an extra-base hit in his last 15 games before going on the 15-day disabled list.
(h/t Morning Call)
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