Amaro admits to Utley soreness: Before the game, CSNPhilly's Jim Salisbury provided an update on the status of Chase Utley's knee: "Amaro, for the first time, did admit that Utley has dealt with some soreness in his knee but was not sure which knee was affected. 'He has had some intermittent soreness like any other player has over the course of a season,' Amaro said. 'Guys get soreness in their wrists, their ankles. Pitchers get soreness in their shoulders after they throw. That does not mean they are injured. Every guy who puts an ice pack on is not injured.”He has had some intermittent soreness like any other player has over the course of a season.'"
Salisbury goes on to write that Amaro was asked if the team had administered an MRI on Utley’s knee, and he said no, He continues by writing that "an official from an opposing club recently told CSNPhilly.com that his team’s scouting reports said it looked as if Utley was playing hurt."
So there you have it: Utley is banged up. The severity of the injury depends on who's doing the talking. Utley says he's not, but Utley wouldn't say jack.
Notes: In old business, Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel hopes Jimmy Rollins (calf) can return Sunday, although Amaro expressed caution earlier in the week over bringing the injured shortstop back too soon. ... Speaking of injured players, J.A. Happ makes a rehab start tonight in Reading. The left-hander's recovery has come along slowly and there is no timetable for his return. ... And speaking of Reading, the R-Phils saw a significant pitching shuffle earlier in the day, with right-handed reliever Mike Stutes earning a promotion to Triple-A, J.C. Ramirez, part of the Cliff Lee trade, getting the call from Clearwater to Reading, and non-prospect Mike Cisco, who missed time with elbow inflammation, getting sent to Clearwater. All this comes on the heels of Scott Mathieson's promotion to the Show.
Lineups are posted: Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Utley 2B, Howard 1B, Werth RF, Ibanez LF, Ruiz C, Valdez SS. Howard has been a hot hitter at home of late, hitting .369 over his last 16. The Phillies are a lifetime 3-3 against the Twins in interleague play. This is their first meeting since the 2004 season.
knew it...Utley doesnt slump...he gets hurt
Posted by: Rire Fube | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:03 PM
Next question: is he on the mend, or is this what should expect all year?
Posted by: curt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Reposting from end of last thread. Just humor, that's all.
Apparently, Utley was up to his humorous antics again last night, per Zolecki:
"Then in a nod to the movie Major League, a Darth Maul bobble head, a miniature bottle of rum and a shot glass full of rum sat in the locker next to his before Thursday's game."
* * * * * * *
As Ryan Howard said, "Whatever works!"
Hopefully, Utley worked some positive folk medicine or spellcasting on Joe Blanton today.
Let's keep it going, Phils!
Posted by: GBrettfan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:09 PM
Utley is slowly moving towards "injury-prone" territory.
Posted by: Matt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:18 PM
Kyle Kendrick deserves some kudos. I know it's unfathomable, but he seems to be a major league pitcher. He's got an ERA+ of 93 this year which is hardly earth-shattering, but more than acceptable for a 5th starter.
And after his first two disasterous starts (11 runs in 5.2 IP, 17.47 ERA), KK has a 3.44 ERA in his last 11 starts (12 games) with a 1.216 WHIP.
Of course, I recognize this success is impossible because his K/9 (4.24) is right around his career average and his K/BB (1.57) is right around his career average and LHB are still hitting him pretty well with an OPS+ of 122.
Anyway... looks like his doing a pretty solid job until JA Happ comes back.
Posted by: CJ | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:18 PM
"Utley is slowly moving towards "injury-prone" territory."
Precisely the reason you won't hear him admit that he's hurt.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:25 PM
Was the Utley in the 2-hole just a short-lived experiment, or will we see it again, based on match-ups?
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:26 PM
"In my opinion, an injury is something that keeps you off the field"
Posted by: Chase Utley | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:31 PM
Willard: Charlie put Utley in the 2-hole against both LH starters in the Yankees series. I think it's something he'll do more often.
Posted by: CJ | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:38 PM
So Utley is definitely injured...Rube's denial is as good as a Yes in my book.
BTW...why not get an MRI? What's the risk there...other than everyone finding out about it.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:43 PM
Cholly should have taken the opportunity to get Utley some rest by DHing him in NY and Boston and playing Dobbs at 3rd. Too bad no one has confidence in Dobbs on the field or with the bat anymore.
Posted by: Spitz | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:46 PM
If anyone was watching the pregame show, is it just me or is Darren Daulton TOO dark?? Scary...
Posted by: Fatalotti | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 06:58 PM
Daulton is a nutbag...did he have his spaceship there?
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:01 PM
So, is MLB network gonna nationally televise every single one of Strasburg's starts for the rest of his career? Seriously, his 3rd start is a national game?
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:03 PM
My thoughts exactly NEPP. They should be televising Jiminez instead. That kid is a monster. I really hope the Phils dont wind up playing the Rockies in a 5 game series in the playoffs.
Posted by: Spitz | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:07 PM
Ok I am breaking my vow not to post until Charle and especailly Mr. Stanford are out of here. But the "Utley is hurt" issue is something I commented on when the Phillies were in NY.
Ron Darling ahd the Mets camera team focus on Utley's stand and showed how he does not extend or turn his right foot (his sneaker keeps diging in and facing the plate instead of moving to the right (when he does extend and it was shown on a few cuts) the ball goes places. He said he doesn't expect Utley to say squat but he thought he was playing hurt.
My question to you guys is: how come the opposing team has to tell our FO that utley is hurt?
Posted by: RK | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:07 PM
RK, I'm sure our FO has known all along..they simply choose not to pass such info on to us, the fans.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:08 PM
Dutch looks like he should be spinning in the rotisserie case at Shoprite.
Posted by: tutpsu | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:11 PM
RK, did you really vow to not post until Cholly gets fired? That is too funny.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:11 PM
Nice 1st inning for Kentucky/Tennessee/Country/InningsEater/Donut Eater Joe.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:13 PM
Wow, you vowed to stop posting until Cholly is out of here? Good luck with that. No matter how much any reactionary moron wants him out, Manuel ain't going anywhere until he says he wants to leave.
Posted by: Iceman | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:13 PM
"That's correct, Old Phan. I'm also not going to attend any more Sixers games until Eddie Jordan gets his job back."
-- RK
Posted by: Spitz | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:14 PM
NEPP: nah, just wait till he gets knocked around a bit and the gloss fades. it's not like the national sports media is known for its attention span.
but i agree it's annoying.
Posted by: Burt Lavallo, friend to all | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:14 PM
Waiting until Charlie is gone is a long wait.
Nice first inning from Kentucky Joe.
Posted by: J.R. King | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:15 PM
Wheels says Blackburn is "a strike-thrower's strike-thrower." Great in-depth scouting report.
Posted by: Iceman | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:16 PM
Its really good to see Vic stealing bases again.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:19 PM
I'm going to stop following the Phillies until they bring back Wes Covington.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:19 PM
I'm somewhat AL ignorant. Do the Twins wear these uni's all the time, or are these alternates? I kinda like 'em.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:20 PM
I refuse to root for Utley until I see an X-ray.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:21 PM
Clearly hurt.
Posted by: HammRadio | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Utley's not injured anymore? Good.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Nice sweet stroke by Mr. Utley there.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Ah, now this is bringing back memories.
Posted by: Matt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:23 PM
Hittin Season!
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Phillies Baseball Baby!!!!
That speedster 1B of our with another triple.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Stupid Utley and his bulky knee. How dare he score from first on that ball? People are going to think he's just fine.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Season.Over.
Posted by: THat Dude | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:25 PM
3-0 Phillies baby!!!
Nice situational hit by Jayson!
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:26 PM
Now, now fellas. Calm down. Let's remember, the Phillies are mathematical underdogs to even reach the postseason. Let's not get too excited. Theoretically, these games are statistically meaningless. Let's move on to football season.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:26 PM
That was an absolute gun from Delmon Young...good thing Howard was running full speed.
Posted by: Iceman | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:27 PM
Young has a decent arm...when he chooses to use it. His range in LF is below average at best though.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Kentucky/Tennessee/Country/Innings Eater/Donut Eater Joe has a nice little cushion. Let's see if that relaxes him a bit.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Shane Victorino (leadoff): Works a walk against a pitcher who doesn't walk many/steals second/makes great read on slow groundball and gets to 3rd (run scored)
Chase Utley (3 hole): Hit with runner in scoring position. (RBI, run scored)
Ryan Howard (Cleanup): XBH (RBI, run scored)
Jayson Werth (5 Hole): Gets a runner at 3rd with less than 2 outs home via sacrifice fly (RBI)
That's winning baseball, and the lack of the above is what caused the extended skid. Getting excited...
Posted by: Fatalotti | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:31 PM
Not thrilled about having to root for the Yankees, but so be it.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:31 PM
Strasburg allowed a run? Are we sure the sun is going to come up tomorrow?
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:32 PM
I didn't say I was going to stop rooting for the team. BTW Wes Covington was one hell of a player. I am just frustrated by the FO. I actually originally said that Mr. Stanford has to go and he does. I think the suggstion by JW that he has doen a good job is not credible and you know were we start on this one and I believe I was among the first who said the Lee trade sucks. I think if I was on the team I would think that was a downer. it pretty much says money is king even when you have it to spend. I prefer the Sox and Yankee style to spending (although the Yankees approach is too rich for my taste).
I also think Cholly looks pretty clueless out there much of the time.
Posted by: RK | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:32 PM
So are these the bizarro Phillies, a flashback, or a return to normal?
Posted by: jim/jj | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:34 PM
"I'm not going to follow US Olympic Hockey until that stupid Herb Brooks is fired!"
- RK, 2/12/1980
Posted by: Spitz | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:35 PM
RK, just out of curiosity, who do you think would be a better Mgr for this team? Keep in mind, this is not a team that needs a Larry Bowa type.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:36 PM
RK: I liked Wes Covington. He could hit from that crouch on the left side; but I wouldn't go overboard. He hit .279 in 11 seasons in the bigs.
Posted by: Hope SE | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:37 PM
Blanton is a terrible bunter.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:40 PM
"I refuse to watch this Phillies team until they trade this bum Steve Carlton back to the Cardinals for Rick Wise"
-RK, 4/1/1972
Posted by: Fatalotti | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:41 PM
I liked Wes as well. He had some nice seasons with the Phils. He played for 4 teams in one season. That's pretty odd.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:42 PM
Blanton's bunting is actively hurting this team.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:43 PM
Everybody hits!
Posted by: Matt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:44 PM
Clutch hitting again!
Nice speed by Valdez to score there...Castro wouldn't have been to 3B by the time it was fielded.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:44 PM
Damn that knee injury!
I was actually looking up when Utley's last HR was when he hit that...sweet!
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:46 PM
I heard Chase is hurt.
Posted by: jim/jj | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:46 PM
Hittin Season !!
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:46 PM
If Chase is injured, Jobu is one hell of a doctor.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:46 PM
Big two out hits.
Posted by: Matt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:47 PM
I can't even imagine the smug look on RAJ's face right now.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:47 PM
If Chase wasn't injured, that would have been a grand slam.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:47 PM
"Stupid Mike Krzyzewski and his stupid championships! I can't wait till he's out of there."
-- Duke alumni RK
Posted by: Spitz | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:48 PM
Slump = over? Please?
Posted by: Matt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:48 PM
The injured guy and the singles hitter go back to back.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:48 PM
hmmm, perhaps Utley's voodoo is the real thing....and apparently rubbing off on Howard
Posted by: kuvasz | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:48 PM
Back to Back blasts!
Bandbox.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:48 PM
Slump = Over?
Posted by: krukker | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:49 PM
Should we still fire Milt as a way to shake up the team?
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:49 PM
What in the bloody hell is going on here?? Guys with bum knees knocking 4 RBI, overpaid, overestimated 1B are a doulbe and single away from a cycle...
WTF!!
Posted by: Fatalotti | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:49 PM
They converted to Voodoo instead...that's just as good as a firing.
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:49 PM
I think we're back now :)
Posted by: seattlephan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:49 PM
Jimmy &
Polly &
Chase &
The Big Piece &
Jayson &
Rauuuuul &
Shane &
Chooch
The boys are back!
Posted by: J.R. King | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:50 PM
We should fire Milt and Cholly and bring up Brown.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:50 PM
and, jimmy is just about to come back too! let's hope this is no mirage and we can get back to business
Posted by: seattlephan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:51 PM
"We should fire Milt and Cholly and bring up Brown."
And then trade Greg Dobbs.
Posted by: Matt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:51 PM
TTI - the last month is the essential reality. 2005 to the present is passing thing.
Posted by: Sophist | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:51 PM
Get rid of Dobbs now!
Posted by: Afish | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:52 PM
Maybe it's a bad outing for Blackburn, but this team couldn't hit off 12-yr. old pitching as recently as a week ago.
I think the aliens have departed and returned the real Phillies to their place.
How much more fun is it to watch them when they hit?
Oh, and Chase's knee is REALLY hampering him tonight.
Posted by: GBrettfan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:52 PM
Let's see if Kentucky/Tennessee/Country/InningsEater/Donut Eater Joe can hold this lead.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Yeah, I still think we need to get rid of Dobbs. Happ can hit, I'm sure.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Like I've been saying, a slump is a slump is a slump. Binoculars had nothing to do with anything.
When individual slumps started to end, the team slump would end. The odd thing about this season wasn't this slump, it was the hot start preceding it. When this team gets hot, and it will get hot, it will be obvious the red hegemony in the NL east has a few seasons left in it.
Posted by: Lincoln Hawkes | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:54 PM
It would be nice if Ibanez's knee would start ailing him soon....
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:55 PM
This is your 2010 Philadelphia Phillies.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:55 PM
Seeing as the rum is working, which is better?
Pedro Utley or Chase Cerrano? The High Priest needs a name.
Posted by: Lincoln Hawkes | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:56 PM
"Utley wants to sacrifice a live chicken"
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:57 PM
Sophist: Who was the person again who posted that this week about the team being frauds and overrated offensively over the past 3 years?
NEPP (and guys like NEPP): Here is a quote I want you guys to print out and tape above your computers for the next time we invariably go through this:
"There are 162 games in a baseball season. It does not end in June and even though teams struggle that does not mean they will never come out of it."
Posted by: The Truth Injection | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 07:58 PM
And on cue, as Wheels is saying to pitch this guy away, Blanton K's him on an inside fastball. Thanks, Wheels.
Posted by: Willard Preacher | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:00 PM
Damn that knee injury!
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Nice job, Uts.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Methinks Mr. Utley is trying to prove something tonight.
Posted by: Matt | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Phillies baseball is fun again. Life is good.
Posted by: krukker | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Alright, from now on, we must viciously spread rumors before EVERY GAME that Chase Utley is injured and is not being up front about it. Christ, if we start at game 1, he'll have 90 HRs and 200 RBI. May even break the Gold Glove slump he's in right now...
Posted by: Fatalotti | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:03 PM
That was Utley's first HR since May 20th BTW...insanity. Hopefully he's feeling better, eh?
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:04 PM
NEPP, the easiest way to find a players annual slumps is to look up homerless streaks. Utley's latest one wasn't the longest of his career.
Posted by: Sophist | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:06 PM
In the bad news dept: Happ is getting tagged again in Reading.
3 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 1 HR
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:09 PM
The Phillies haven't scored in 1 inning. Uh oh, here we go again...
Posted by: Fatalotti | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:09 PM
****NEPP, the easiest way to find a players annual slumps is to look up homerless streaks. Utley's latest one wasn't the longest of his career.****
Didnt he have a longer one last year to end the year or was it 08?
Posted by: NEPP | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:10 PM
They're slumping again.
Posted by: Old Phan | Friday, June 18, 2010 at 08:10 PM