Galvis To Disabled List With Lower Back Strain

Phillies placed 2B Freddy Galvis on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.  It's not clear at this point how long he'll be out; Mike Fontenot replaced Galvis at second base on Wednesday and figures to see some playing time there now with Pete Orr sent back to Lehigh.

Its just another blow to a Phillies season that has been a disaster.  It happens in a game where the Phillies lost their fifth straight and they lose their most exciting player in the process.

But there was some good news; Chase Utley could begin playing the field next week.

Utley began playing in extended spring training games this week but has been relegated to DH duty thus far.  Chase Utley went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double and a walk as the DH on Wednesday in his second extended spring training game.  He's not expected to go out on a rehab assignment until at least June 15.

Meanwhile, in his first live action this season, Ryan Howard went 2-for-4 with two singles and two walks as the DH on Wednesday in an extended spring training game.  Howard isn't ready to run the bases or play the field and it's not clear when he will be, Phillies fans shouldn't be expecting him back prior to the All-Star break.

One possibility with Galvis and Utley out of the line is moving Polonco over to second base, Wigginton to third base and using John Mayberry and Laynce Nix (when he returns) at first base.  Michael Martinez could also be an option to replace Galvis on the roster.  The Phillies activated INF Martinez from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.