"This is a good sign," Amaro said.
The Phillies and Utley will not know how good until Monday, when he will feel some of the aftereffects of increased activity. But if those pains are minimal, the plan is for Utley to play another simulated game Tuesday.
Everyone involved has been reluctant to put any sort of timetable on a return, but Amaro did not rule out Utley's being able to go to Florida by the end of the week to begin playing in minor-league games.
"I guess it's possible," Amaro said. "But we're not putting any time lines on it because it is literally still a day-to-day thing."
Utley was unavailable for comment. The repetition and increased workload suggest he is close to rehab-game readiness.
That does not mean Utley will return after three minor-league games, as he has from injuries in the past. This rehab will require a prolonged stint to see live pitching, since Utley has not played in an actual game since Oct. 23, 2010 - Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.
"It's different because he hasn't really gone through spring training," Amaro said. "He hasn't had any live at-bats. He's hitting here every day, but that's different."
The Phillies will not know how long Utley needs in the minors until he starts playing in games. They will not know how much this condition will need to be managed when he returns. And they will not know exactly which caliber Utley they have until he actually plays.
"A lot of it," Manuel said, "I'll leave up to him."
Amaro could not say if Utley is currently pain-free during his workouts. The Phillies have taken slow progressions based upon Utley's response.
"He says he feels OK," Amaro said. "That's OK for me."
Oswalt will miss start
