Chase Utley Takes Batting Practice, Still Not Moving Laterally

When Chase Utley was diagnosed with knee tendinitis last week, the Phillies didn't seem all that concerned. The plan was simply to bring him along slowly and keep from making things worse. It's Spring Training, right? Utley had all the time in the world.

Since then, though, things have grown a little more problematic. Utley still hasn't played in a Grapefruit League game. He had a cortisone shot in his knee. And while he's been taking batting practice, that's all he's been doing, as he's been shut down from all other baseball activities. He's not running, and he's not doing anything in the way of lateral motion, as the Phillies don't want to put any strain on his knee.

It's only March 8th, and Opening Day remains a long ways away, but there's cause for concern, here. Utley's a 32-year-old middle infielder with a stubborn knee that isn't responding real well to treatment. He may be fine in time for the season, but he also may not be, and between this and the Domonic Brown injury, the Phillies have to be counting their blessings that they'll never allow a run.