Missing Phillies second baseman Chase Utley appears ready to get going in earnest. It was suggested just the other day that Utley might benefit from a trip to extended spring training. Well, what do we have here?

Chase Utley is ready to intensify his workouts as he recovers from right knee tendinitis.

Sources tell CSNPhilly.com that barring a setback or change of plans, Utley is expected to travel to Florida on Friday and begin working out at the Phillies’ spring-training compound over the weekend.

So Utley's lined up to get going in extended spring training in a matter of days. He's looked good in some recent simulated games, and now he'll begin progressing towards playing in some actual minor league games. Once he can do that and get comfortable without his knee acting up, he'll be ready to join the Phillies, and while nobody's setting an official timetable, the hope is that Utley will be back with the team by the end of May or beginning of June.

Good news, for a team that keeps rolling despite a lot of bad news.