Luis Castillo, the second baseman trying to fill some of the void left by Utley's absence, went hitless for a second straight game and struck out looking twice.
While the regulars, or at least what is passing for the regulars these days, were still in the game, the Phillies turned six hits into zero runs, a recipe that never sits well with their offensive-minded manager.
Let's start with Utley. After a brief conversation with the second baseman during his latest round of batting practice that did not include any significant infield work, Amaro was asked if he expected his all-star second baseman to open the season on the disabled list.
"I would think so," Amaro said. "We haven't seen him on the field yet and we're a week away [from opening day]. It's likely he's not going to make our club, at least not right now."
Amaro said he thinks Utley, out the entire spring with patellar tendinitis in his right knee, is feeling a little better since starting an exercise program recommended by an undisclosed rehab specialist. The general manager added, however, that "it's kind of a long-term process. It's not going to happen overnight."
It will be interesting to see whether some Phillies can turn on a switch and be ready for the start of the season after struggling in the Grapefruit League. Hamels includes himself in that group. After surrendering six runs on nine hits, including a three-run home run by Delmon Young in the fifth inning, the lefthander was less than pleased with this specific outing and his overall spring.
