After finishing his round of hitting at Bright House Field, Utley picked up his glove, which he carried for mere decoration. He took his spot in left field, where Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, and Jimmy Rollins stood, to shag fly balls.
A ball rolled toward Utley, and he'd either let it go or take a slow walk to pick it up and fling it back at the infield. As he headed for the clubhouse, Utley was asked specifically how much his right knee has improved since the cortisone shot, which was intended as a short-term jump start to get him on the field.
"I've got nothing new for you guys," Utley told two reporters. "When I do, I'll let you know."
Publicly, that was the only update from the Phillies. A team spokesman said Amaro had nothing to report. As head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan was ushered to meet reporters to discuss Domonic Brown's surgery Tuesday morning, a Phillies official ordered that no questions be asked about Utley.
So Sheridan offered just this: "He's a very nice gentleman."
Manager Charlie Manuel said he had not been briefed on Utley's progression or lack thereof.
"We should definitely be hearing something this week," Manuel said.
There are 23 days until opening day at Citizens Bank Park, and Manuel remains convinced he will have Utley.
"Yeah," he said. "Yes. I'm very optimistic. Yes."
Of course, the longer the silence, the more questions arise. The warning signs are there: Utley has had the tendinitis before, but he said it has never lingered this long. He is 32 and has subjected his body to a frequent beating at the plate and in the field at second base.
