Chase Utley determined to play in 2012 season despite concerns about his injury – MLB Update
Rubbishing all reports signalling his retirement from the game, Chase Utley comes out with an explanation. Earlier in Spring Training, manager Charlie Manuel stated that since he suffers from a volatile injury, even if he makes to the line-up in time, it
will not be long before he will be injured again.
While the manager may have been true with his judgment, Utley says it is because of same reason that he is not going through surgery. Elaborating reason why he took time in finding an appropriate specialist, he said he did not want to ruin his 2012 season
by undergoing something that will keep him away from game for a long time.
His explanation however will go to fuel speculations by fans that the injury is of a serious nature and it will be out of sheer luck that he will appear on the field.
“I’m not looking at any surgery. I’m not looking at any type of injections,” Utley said. “I’m looking at a daily routine that consists of manual therapy, strength training, mobilization of the joints.”
Visible was his penchant for making comeback when he preferred going for short-term treatment of his ankle injury as opposed to a long term more reliable remedy.
Believing that it is more important to play in crucial games taking place in the later part of the season, he is hopeful of making substantial contribution during that time.
“I’m not going to put any time on it, but I think at the pace we’re going and the changes I’ve made in the past three or four days, it looks positive,” Utley said. “I anticipate playing this year, absolutely, and contributing.”
Good news for Utley however is the confidence that the management has placed in him. Eager to see him back even if that means late season entry, they will take his explanation as positive for their season prospects.
Sooner he recovers from knee injury; the better it will be for his side. Since he can strengthen the Phillies’ offensive front immensely with his presence, especially in light of the fact he holds an amazing record of making 1198 hits in his career. The
Phillies have a lot to cheer about in case he plays during the 2012 Major League Baseball regular season.
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