Phillies Notes | Utley's big week wins him a share of league honors
Phillies Notes ATLANTA - Chase Utley's big final week of April was recognized yesterday when he was named the National League's co-player of the week, sharing the honor with Cincinnati shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
Phillies Notes
ATLANTA -
Chase Utley's
big final week of April was recognized yesterday when he was named the National League's co-player of the week, sharing the honor with Cincinnati shortstop
Alex Gonzalez
.
Utley, the Phillies' all-star second baseman, led the NL with 10 RBIs in seven games from April 23 to 29. He hit .444 (12 for 27) over the span with a .778 slugging percentage. Overall, Utley was hitting .305 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 24 games entering last night's game against the Braves.
Gonzalez hit .520 (13 for 25) during the week.
Injury report
Braves closer
Bob Wickman
was placed on the disabled list yesterday with tendinitis in his upper back.
The team activated Chad Paranto, who had been on the DL with a strained adductor muscle in his upper leg.
Phillies centerfielder Aaron Rowand left last night's game with what was described as a knot in his back. He will be evaluated today, the Phillies said.
Ruiz on the ready
Rookie catcher
Carlos Ruiz
made his 15th start in 25 games last night.
Rod Barajas
has started 10 games.
Ruiz has emerged as the catcher for Jon Lieber, Jamie Moyer and Freddy Garcia. Barajas has been catching Adam Eaton all season and Cole Hamels' last two starts.
Burrell's bat
Pat Burrell
had just one home run in 69 at-bats entering last night, but he was hitting .304 and had drawn 20 walks.
Despite the low home-run total, manager Charlie Manuel likes the way Burrell looks at the plate.
"If he keeps his approach the way it is, in the long run it will pay off," Manuel said. "Sometimes it just takes a while, but if he stays patient and keeps the same approach, I think he'll have a big year."
- Jim Salisbury