"The only thing wrong with Chase," manager Charlie Manuel said, "is he missed six or seven weeks. It's like spring training all over. That's all I can say."
As for Utley? He's quiet. Always has been, probably always will be. The more he talks, the more attention on his struggles.
Right?
For sure, Roy Oswalt was impressive in overcoming a career-high six walks, and home runs by Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino provided an early lead. But the single most encouraging thing to emerge from Wednesday's win was Utley's swing.
So, Chase, what say you? Does this feel like starting over, like coming back from an off-season?
"No," he said.
Is this like anything you've ever had to do?
"Not really," he said.
Can that explain why it's taken some time for a game like this?
"All it takes is one good swing to feel good," he said.
It was the first time in his career he had ever hit three doubles in a game. He drove in a pair runs, with doubles in the seventh and ninth innings.
The second baseman had gone 23 games without multiple extra-base hits. In the 14 games since coming off the disabled list before Wednesday, he had two extra-base hits - both doubles.
"He had some good swings, especially on the lefties," Manuel said. "He looked good."
Traditionally, the end of the season is a frustrating time for Utley. He usually is worn down from a season of grinding every day, which results in some weight loss, and watching video of swing after swing.
But this year, he had 43 games to rest, both mentally and physically. Utley, of course, was always around the team, even with his right thumb in a splint. He watched video. But mainly, he was reduced to cheerleader, an uncomfortable role, to say the least.
Even before Utley was injured, he was slumping. His .227 batting average and .849 OPS were well off his career pace (.295 and .902, respectively).
