Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said the strength in Chase Utley's left knee is improving and Ryan Howard has been taken off antibiotics. However, no timetable has been given for either of their return's to the Phillies line-up.

The infection around Howard's surgically-repaired left Achilles tendon isn't completely healed, but it's getting there.  Howard has begun light fielding exercises and is throwing regularly, but he hasn't been cleared for hitting.

Meanwhile, Utley's evidently not hurting as much anymore as Amaro said he'll know more about the his progress when they see him during their upcoming West Coast road trip which starts on Monday the San Fran, they will be in Arizona the following Monday where Utley currently is working out.

 

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