Utley's patellar tendinitis is not something that will go away; it's effectively an arthritic condition in his right knee, where cartilage is worn down.
Manuel said Utley will be eased into Grapefruit League play. He does not expect his second baseman to play often early in the schedule. The idea is to preserve him.
That was a philosophy Utley apparently followed this winter. Manuel said he altered his workout routine.
"He didn't talk about it a lot," Manuel said. "But he did not do any strenuous work with his knees whatsoever."
The manager said he envisions a similar plan this spring for third baseman Placido Polanco.
"We will definitely treat him the same way," Manuel said. "The last couple of years, he's had a hard time staying on the field. It's definitely noticeable."
Optimism for Contreras
Jose Contreras, the 40-year-old Cuban with a balky right elbow, isn't far behind the rest of the pitchers in camp. In fact, Contreras said he plans to throw off a mound Tuesday for the first time.
"I feel good," Contreras said.
The Phillies have expressed optimism for Contreras, who began 2011 as the team's closer and later succumbed to an elbow injury that required surgery in September. The question will be whether he can handle a strenuous workload.
"He's right on time," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He's doing really well. We're cautiously optimistic for opening day. He's feeling very confident about his elbow, which is good."
Pitching coach Rich Dubee was less revealing about Contreras' plans, only to say the pitcher's progress has pleased him.
"He put in a lot of hard work with offseason," Dubee said. "Hopefully, he stays on track."
Only Qualls missing
