Phillies Issue Statement Regarding Chase Utley

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. addressed the media here in Clearwater with an update on Chase Utley who has been sent to a knee specialist because he's hit a "plateau" in his rehab.

“Chase's rehab process has come to a bit of a plateau.  He has made some strides but not enough to take the field.  He is headed out of town for a few days to be evaluated by a specialist that has helped athletes overcome his issue.  We anticipate that this trip will allow him to build on what he has already done with Scott Sheridan in order to get over the hump.  He wants more than anything to be on the field with his teammates and we believe that this is a step in that direction.”

Utley has been bothered by right knee discomfort since the start of spring training and has yet to make an appearance in a Grapefruit League game.

Some down here are wondering when Utley will be ready to go after saying:  "I would think it would be doubtful he'd be ready to play for us Opening Day."

Amaro Jr. also stated Monday that Freddy Galvis could start at second base to open the year.