"We still have to be smart about everything," said Utley, who is hitting .277, with a .383 on-base percentage, .849 on-base plus slugging percentage and 11 home runs. "We want it to heal. That 5- to 6-week [postoperation] period is apparently how long it takes to heal properly. At that point, I think we'll have to play it by ear, but that's when I'd like to start getting back into it."
Although the Phillies made it known they are looking for an experienced infielder, they have yet to find a palatable deal. They have said they do not view such a move as a necessity. After Utley's injury, the Phillies went 9-8 to close out the first half, hitting .234 with a .285 on-base percentage in the process. But with each passing day, the benefit of trading for an infielder diminishes.
Veteran third baseman Placido Polanco (elbow) remains on track to return from the disabled list within a week. In fact, he could travel to Chicago as soon as tomorrow. Polanco was scheduled to play in rehab games last night and tonight, at which point he hoped to be ready to be activated.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel did not offer a timetable, but didn't rule out Polanco being in the lineup tomorrow or Sunday.
"He might join us in a couple days," Manuel said. "We'll see how it goes."
Polanco, 34, leads the Phillies with a .318 batting average, despite battling soreness in his elbow since late April, when he was hit by a pitch in Atlanta.
Durbin returns
Workhorse reliever Chad Durbin, sidelined since June 24 with a hamstring strain, was activated and pitched a scoreless seventh last night. Despite the 3-week absence, he leads the bullpen with 36 1/3 innings. In 29 appearances, he has posted a 3.22 ERA.
