Utley solid at plate with Lehigh Valley, rehab to continue with Reading

In his first game action since June 22nd, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley went 2-for-3 with a walk for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Sunday.

In the 4-0 loss to Norfolk at home in Allentown, Utley acted as the team’s designated hitter.

The 36-year-old has been sidelined in recent weeks with a right ankle injury.

In 65 games at the big league level this season, the veteran has tallied a .179 average with four home runs and 25 RBI.  In his 13-year big league career, Utley, who was the Phils’ first round draft choice in 2000, has a .281 batting average with 232 homers and 911 RBI.

With the IronPigs slated to hit the road this week, the Phillies will keep Utley close to home and have him continue his rehab with Double-A Reading when they make the short road trip to Trenton beginning on Tuesday.  The plan is for Utley to see some action in the field and play with the Fightins for two days.  He will be reevaluated after that.

Outfielder Nick Williams and hurler Jake Thompson, acquired from Texas in the Cole Hamels/Jake Diekman trade last week, are expected to be added to the Reading roster in time for the team’s series opener in Trenton.