On Saturday, Utley will undergo an Impact test, used to determine the severity of concussion symptoms. That, the Phillies said, is best performed 48 hours after the head trauma. The test will compare readings from a baseline exam done on Utley when spring training began.
Utley was examined Thursday by Rob Franks, the concussion specialist at the Rothman Institute.
"Am I concerned about it? Of course," manager Charlie Manuel said. "Can I do anything about it? Not a damned thing."
With Utley down, the Phillies activated Jimmy Rollins from the disabled list even though they know he is not yet ready to rejoin the lineup. They can do that because of expanded rosters. It offers a chance to ease Rollins, who suffered from a strained groin, back into a regular role before October arrives. There is no timetable for his full return.
"It's a matter of how he continues to progress," assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said. "He's available. He's active if we need him in a pinch."
Rollins declined comment to reporters. Manuel said he could use Rollins first as a pinch-hitter, but if the shortstop gets on base the manager would send in a pinch-runner.
There are conveniences of a huge lead. The Braves would have to win all of their remaining 18 games to merely tie the Phillies. So caution now is acceptable.
"Since when didn't we have injuries?" Manuel asked rhetorically.
The postseason does not begin until Oct. 1, and that allows time for recovery and coasting. Better now than later.
Collier suspended
Zach Collier, the Phillies' first-round pick in 2008, was suspended for 50 games Thursday by Major League Baseball for testing positive for amphetamine. The suspension is effective at the start of next season.
