Storm clouds form over Clearwater?

The gorgeous weather down in Clearwater is turning a bit sour.


There are storm clouds over Phillies camp.


Ryan Howard’s rehab from Achilles surgery after the tendon exploded on him on the final play of the Phils’ season in the NLCS vs. the Cardinals last year, has been put on hold. Not a setback, warns the Phillies brass. Easy for them to say.


Howard is suffering from an infection in the area where he had the surgery. He’s now wearing a boot. No one is really talking about how long he might be out.


And a familiar name has been absent from the lineup of the Phils first three Grapefruit League games vs. the Yankees. That would be second baseman Chase Utley. Yes, the same guy who missed a big chunk at the start of last seson with chronic tendinitis in his knees.


Charlie Manuel says he is going to play it safe with Utley and that we shouldn’t look for him in a game anytime soon.


Manuel insists Utley is healthy; this is just a precaution.


Swell.


Ryan Lawrence has the details.


 

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