Chase Utley heads for official Minor League assignment with Single A Clearwater - MLB Update
The Philadelphia Phillies’ second baseman Chase Utley comes closer to an appearance in 2012 regular season. He will be a designated hitter with Single A Clearwater on Tuesday as part of 20-days Minor League assignments. That will be the greatest opportunity
for him to quell doubts about his left knee injury, which has kept him out of the season thus far.
Announcement is a rare display of solace for floundering Phillies, who have failed to make their mark in the season.
Injury-plagued Phillies have been the real disappointment for their fans. They have been unable to keep their performance immune to the injuries, which kept sprouting all through the season.
Their offence is among the poorest in the season. It has destroyed efforts of their pitchers for number of times.
However, as both Ryan Howard and Utley make big strides toward coming back to the season, they can brace for a pleasant reality ahead.
Earliest possible time Utley can return to the season has been reported as July 2. If that turns out to be the reality, it will be great for the Phillies’ offence.
The fact Utley played in extended Spring Training games and showed his mettle there by connecting big hits, impact of his addition in the line-up will be huge.
His ability to provide home runs is a befitting need of the Phillies’ offence. Given that this was the area which saw them failing, Utley can go a long way in bridging the discrepancy.
Right now Utley will be focusing on the game on Tuesday and will be looking to give his best. With abundance amount of experience at every level, Utley will not find it hard to adjust to the match situation quickly.
He has gone through sufficient training, both in extended spring training and during normal work outs at the park.
It will be no surprise if he goes on plate and unleashes the powerful long flying hits right away. Just how well he fared in an Extended Spring Game, he can easily replicate that performance on Tuesday.
Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel will be extremely pleased. He will be bracing for his immediate return to the season. As Utley makes 2012 regular season debut on July 2, it will be the great sight to watch for the fans.
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