The Phillies got good news and bad news yesterday.
We’ll start with the bad, and it could be real bad. Then again it might not be that big a deal.
What’s certain is that the team’s attempt to pass off the Chase Utley situation as “general soreness” was generally a crock.
The team announced Sunday that the 32-year-old Utley is suffering from patella tendinitis in his right knee.
That is not a good thing. Utley has yet to play in Florida. He is trying to come back from summer marred by injuries last year. Utley played in only 115 games last year and his production was down.
Part of Utley’s problem is his style of play. Last year he suffered an injury to his thumb while diving head-first into second base. That’s what Utley does. He is always diving for balls, and busting it on the base paths. All those dings and dents take their toll.
Utley pushed himself to come back in good shape this spring, but he’s been shelved by soreness in his knee. Manager Charlie Manuel almost twisted himself into a pretzel last week explaining his Utley was just working out hard and was sore.
It’s more than being sore. Whether or not it’s something more remains to be seen. But it’s not good. Not for a guy who is 32 and is developing a bit of a pattern of breaking down.
Keep your eye on this one.
The good news for the Phils? A lot has been said about the Phils’
starting four pitchers. Not that much has been said about the fifth guy in that rotation. But Joe Blanton sparkled yesterday in three innings against the Yankees. He didn’t give up a hit.
No one is saying it, but Blanton just might be the best fifth starter in the National League. Which makes the Phils’ arms all that more impressive.
They might need it. Especially if Utley is on the shelf for longer than expected.
We’ll start with the bad, and it could be real bad. Then again it might not be that big a deal.
What’s certain is that the team’s attempt to pass off the Chase Utley situation as “general soreness” was generally a crock.
The team announced Sunday that the 32-year-old Utley is suffering from patella tendinitis in his right knee.
That is not a good thing. Utley has yet to play in Florida. He is trying to come back from summer marred by injuries last year. Utley played in only 115 games last year and his production was down.
Part of Utley’s problem is his style of play. Last year he suffered an injury to his thumb while diving head-first into second base. That’s what Utley does. He is always diving for balls, and busting it on the base paths. All those dings and dents take their toll.
Utley pushed himself to come back in good shape this spring, but he’s been shelved by soreness in his knee. Manager Charlie Manuel almost twisted himself into a pretzel last week explaining his Utley was just working out hard and was sore.
It’s more than being sore. Whether or not it’s something more remains to be seen. But it’s not good. Not for a guy who is 32 and is developing a bit of a pattern of breaking down.
Keep your eye on this one.
The good news for the Phils? A lot has been said about the Phils’
starting four pitchers. Not that much has been said about the fifth guy in that rotation. But Joe Blanton sparkled yesterday in three innings against the Yankees. He didn’t give up a hit.
No one is saying it, but Blanton just might be the best fifth starter in the National League. Which makes the Phils’ arms all that more impressive.
They might need it. Especially if Utley is on the shelf for longer than expected.
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