Utley goes to Arizona for rehab

WHILE THE Phillies get set to start the season in Pittsburgh, Chase Utley is in Arizona taking the next step in his return from knee trouble.

In consultation with the Phillies and their medical staff, Utley will work with his personal therapist in Phoenix beginning Wednesday. The hope, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, is that Utley would join the team some time during its trip out West. The 10-game swing begins April 16 in San Francisco and also includes stops in San Diego and Arizona. Just because Utley would meet up with the team, however, doesn't necessarily mean he's simply going to be in the lineup.

"He's been progressing pretty well; [we want] to build on the progressions he's made," Amaro said. "I'm not sure quite how long he's going to be there. But he'll be there to do more intensive, one-on-one work with Brett Fischer and his group out there."

Amaro said first baseman Ryan Howard continues his Achilles' surgery rehabilitation and will visit with Dr. Mark Myerson on April 10.

"I don't have a timeline on either Chase or Ryan,'' Amaro said. "I know they are both doing better. I know Ryan is doing a lot more things. I'm not sure when he's going to start hitting and that sort of thing."

Following the Myerson visit, "we'll know more about [Howard's] availability to do more baseball stuff," Amaro continued. "He's been throwing. He's been doing a lot more strengthening stuff. The wound is starting to heal, which is great. As soon as that thing is healed up, we'll be able to kind of [be more aggressive] with some of the baseball activities."

Utility infielder Michael Martinez (right foot) and pitchers Justin De Fratus (right elbow) and Jose Contreras (right elbow) will join Utley and Howard on the disabled list to start the season.

Reliever Michael Stutes (right shoulder inflammation) threw 20 pitches in a minor league game on Tuesday, his first work since March 27, and will start the season on the active roster. The Phillies have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to finalize the entire 25-man Opening Day roster.

The Phillies open the season Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Utley hasn't done any baseball-related activity since early spring. He has been hampered by chondromalacia, a deterioration of the cartilage behind his left kneecap. He was in Arizona 2 weeks ago to see Fischer, who has worked with many other athletes, including former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Utley has said Fischer provided new stretching techniques, along with a new program of "manual therapy." Rookie Freddy Galvis will be the regular second baseman while Utley is out.

This is the second year in a row Utley will open the season on the DL. What is most worrisome is that last year's problem was chondromalacia in his right knee. Utley, 33, said his chronic knee problems are just something he's going to have to deal with. His contract is up after 2013.

"As you know, Chase doesn't like to be a distraction and he thinks this is the best way to not be one," Amaro said. "But we're looking forward to getting him back when he's feeling better. He's progressing well and we just want to build on it."