Injury Updates for Howard, Utley

Chase is improving. (AP)

-According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ryan Howard saw a wound specialist on Monday and his condition is improving, but not enough to ramp up his activity just yet. He hasn’t taken part in any baseball activities since February 27. Ruben Amaro is again preaching “no timetable” with Howard, although the word that he continues to improve is a good thing.

–Chase Utley will meet up with the team next week when the hit the final leg of their road trip in Arizona. Utley is in Phoenix working with therapist Brett Fischer. Amaro said he is improving and moving forward. Could he rejoin the team for good next week? That would be ideal, but don’t bet on it.

–Michael Martinez will be in a boot for another two weeks as he deals with a foot fracture.

–Justin De Fratus is coming along. He pitched to live hitters on Monday after, throwing 30 pitches, after dealing with elbow trouble throughout spring training, He’ll throw again Thursday.

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.