Utley takes first step

Chase Utley's back at it, playing four innings of a spring game to get himself ready for the regular season after offseason hip surgery. Oddly enough, Utley didn't make his debut with the Phils, but instead went 2-4 with a double in a minor leage intra-squad game.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the decision was made collectively by Utley and team personnel.

"We felt like he was ready to get into one and test the waters," Amaro said.

Amaro said that after the intrasquad game team trainers told him Utley was "tired, but it was a good workout for him. We'll have to see what happens, how he feels tomorrow morning, and kind of progress him day by day."

Amaro said that while Utley has been eager to play, the second baseman has resisted the temptation to return before his hip was ready.

"He knows what is at stake, and how important it is for him to be healthy in the long term," Amaro said. "This was probably a test date for him, and we'll see how he comes out of it."

Manuel said that the team would proceed with caution.

"We'll take it easy on him," Manuel said. "He's not ready for me to just turn him loose and start playing every day. We're going to kind of break him in."

Makes sense that Utley would start in a minor league game if he's not quite up to snuff. A step down allows him to get his bearings, have some success and build confidence before return to the parent club.