Chase Utley (knee) fielded grounders Wednesday for the first time since rejoining the Phillies on May 5. Obviously, it's a good sign, but we'll have to see how the knee responds. Utley doesn't seem to have any issues at the plate, but he'll have to field and run without hesitation before a realistic timetable can be established. Right now, a best-case scenario is probably mid-June.

Chase Utley (knee) has yet to participate in fielding practice since rejoining the Phillies last Saturday. Utley said Saturday when he was back with the team that "over the next week or so I'll be on the field trying to get more ground balls and making some progressions in that area and just trying to get my feet under me as a far as a baseball standpoint goes." Yet, despite not doing any fielding as anticipated, general manager Ruben Amaro said there's no cause for alarm. Utley has been taking batting practice, but he's obviously going to need to do some fielding before he gets closer to a return.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel didn't dismiss the possibility that Chase Utley (knee) could play some first base when he comes off the disabled list. "We'll figure that out when we get there," said Manuel. "When we have to decide on that, we will." Manuel didn't give us much to chew on there, but Utley would be an interesting alternative if Freddy Galvis continues to hold his own at second base and Ryan Howard's rehab from Achilles surgery hits a prolonged snag. Utley took batting practice and fielded ground balls prior to Monday's game in Arizona, but there's no timetable for him to begin a minor league rehab assignment.

Chase Utley (knee) was able to field some grounders during pregame Monday but admitted that he still felt some pain when doing so. He also took batting practice, which was pain-free. Utley did say his legs felt stronger, and, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, "is upbeat about his progress." There's no timetable for his return, but things finally seem to be moving in the right direction. It's not clear when Utley might be able to begin a rehab assignment.

Chase Utley (knee) took early batting practice Monday in Arizona. Utley has been rehabbing his left knee in Arizona, so he met up with the team Monday as they prepared to take on the Diamondbacks. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel remarked that his legs looked stronger, though there's no immediate timetable for him to begin a rehab assignment. Utley is expected to talk to reporters Monday, so we should learn more about his progress soon.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. said Monday that the strength in Chase Utley's left knee "seems to be improving." It's almost exactly what he said last week, so this isn't much of an update. Utley is still rehabbing in Arizona and is expected to meet up with the team next week when the Phillies take on the Diamondbacks. There's no timetable for his return.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said the strength in Chase Utley's left knee is improving. Utley was unable to work on strengthening the knee during spring training because of pain, but he's evidently not hurting as much anymore. Amaro said he'll know more about the second baseman's progress when they see him during their upcoming West Coast road trip. He's not sure how much Utley will be limited once he returns to action, if at all. The 33-year-old remains without a timetable.

Phillies placed 2B Chase Utley on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26, with deterioration of the cartilage behind his left kneecap. Utley has begun rehabbing both of his knees in Arizona with physical therapist Brett Fischer. There is no timeline for his return, but he recently said that he "absolutely" expects to play this season. The 33-year-old second baseman didn't make his season debut last year until May 23.

Chase Utley (knee) confirmed he will not be ready for Opening Day but said that he ''absolutely'' expects to play this year.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters Monday in camp that second baseman Chase Utley (knee) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. "I would think it would be doubtful he'd be ready to play for us Opening Day," is exactly how Amaro put it, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Utley, who hasn't taken an at-bat in a Grapefruit League game this spring due to lingering discomfort, was sent to an out-of-town specialist on Monday morning to have both of his knees examined. Freddy Galvis will likely fill in at second base if Utley is out for a significant chunk of time.