Who’s excited? I bet you are. Chase Utley is back in the lineup batting second, the first time he’ll see game action this year. The city, media, and fans are all abuzz over tonight’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Manager Charlie Manuel is also stoked. He says Utley “definitely makes us better” and there is no denying that statement. Utley’s presence should instantly rejuvenate what has been a lackluster offense for all but two weeks this season.
Utley himself will try to take it day by day, but said he’s struggling with knowing when to take days off. As you’re well aware, Chase Utley was thought to be a machine, but we’ve since learned that is not the case. “This has been a learning experience for me,” Utley said about the two month-stint on the disabled list.
It’s been a lesson learned for Ruben Amaro Jr., who said today that if changes aren’t made on the field, he’ll make them for the team. “”I don’t think we can survive getting two runs a game for the next 100 games,” Amaro stated.
Sounds like if the Utley comeback isn’t a spark, Amaro will be lighting the fire himself.
UPDATE, 4:59 pm: Joe Blanton will travel to Alabama to see renowned elbow specialist Dr. James Andrews to have a second look at his ailing elbow, according to Ruben Amaro Jr. The original diagnosis of an impingement in Blanton’s right elbow has led to tendinitis and inflammation, according to the Inquirer. A second MRI done showed nothing new, other than another spot of inflammation.
He will have an ultrasound with Andrews, which would show if there are tendons or ligaments rubbing up against each other, causing the pain.
Here’s Utley around 4 pm:
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