Perhaps those behind the @ChasingUtley Twitter account said it best:
Rejoice, Philadelphia!
Chase Utley was spotted at Citizens Bank Park Sunday morning, and word is he will be added to the lineup (finally!) on Monday against the Reds.
Utley has been on the disabled list all season because of tendinitis in his right knee.
He's been toiling with Class A Clearwater for the Threshers' last nine games, hitting .281 and a home run.
The Phillies said their star second baseman will meet with trainer Scott Sheridan and doc Michael Ciccotti before he's taken off of the disabled list and inserted into the lineup.
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How good will he be? There's not telling how much major league rust he'll have to knock off before returning to All-Star form. Todd Zolecki at MLB.com ponders how much playing time Utley will actually see:
Manager Charlie Manuel said this weekend he is unsure how many games Utley will be able to play because of his knee condition. The club does not want to overplay Utley early and find him unavailable late in the season or postseason, when they need him most.
Sure, there's a chance Utley won't replicate the stats he put up before his injury. But just adding him to the lineup will do wonders for the team's psyche the rest of the year.
Also, Phils right-hander Joe Blanton will be placed on the 15-day DL Monday, with a right elbow inflamation. The Phillies will recall Vince Worley from Lehigh Valley to replace him.
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