Phillies say Utley’s concussion test a positive sign
Utley was cleared to begin light exercises and will undergo another ImPACT test Monday to ensure a baseline reading. At that point, the Phillies will have a better idea when Utley can return.
He’ll almost certainly miss the remainder of the road trip, but this is viewed as good news. It doesn’t appear the injury will keep him sidelined for much beyond Wednesday.
“It’s positive,” Proefrock said. “Very positive. Good news. We’re going to be very cautious, obviously. But it seems like he’s making progress. We’ll make sure he’s 100 percent before we get him back on the field.”
Currently, Proefrock said, the second baseman is experiencing no symptoms from the concussion suffered last Wednesday when he was hit on the back of the helmet by a 91-m.p.h. Eric O’Flaherty fastball.
He never had headaches, the team has said. He was removed from the game because “he felt a little foggy,” Proefrock said.
Utley was examined by concussion specialist Rob Franks, who administered a physical exam in addition to the ImPACT test.
The unintended rest, Proefrock said, will not hurt.
“There is a little bit of silver lining sometimes,” he said. “We get a chance to rest these guys as we head down the home stretch. And the other thing is, you’re getting the reserves a chance to stay sharp. We’re very fortunate to have good depth. All of those guys have done a great job.”
Bastardo’s slump
Six of the last eight batters Antonio Bastardo has faced have reached base, an alarming number for a pitcher who leads the majors in batting average against.
Bastardo said he is tiring as he pitches deeper into a season than he ever has. Manager Charlie Manuel said he did not want to pin Bastardo’s recent ineffectiveness to fatigue.
“He just needs to go out there and get a good inning,” Manuel said. “I think he’ll be fine.”
But Manuel did note he has not recently seen the same fastball Bastardo used as his primary weapon this season.
“A lot of times I think he’s throwing lefthanded hitters a lot of breaking balls and things like that,” Manuel said. “I haven’t seen him really turn it loose.”
Both Manuel and Bastardo insisted there are no problems with his arm. It could be as simple as a mechanical problem.
Howard, Rollins sit
Manuel noticed a jump in Ryan Howard’s step Friday following a day of rest, so the manager sat his first baseman again Saturday. Howard has bursitis in his left foot that has slowed him at times.
It also allowed him to play both John Mayberry Jr. and Ben Francisco.
“I feel like we’re going to use those guys more – the more at-bats we can get our bench players, the better off they’ll be,” Manuel said.
Shortstop Jimmy Rollins participated fully in batting practice and still looks close to a return from his strained groin. He posed a multiple-choice question on Twitter: “What day shall I make my return? 1) Today 2) Sunday 3) Monday.” In any event, it should come soon.
“He’s close to being ready to play,” Manuel said. “He’s getting real close. I ain’t really worried about Jimmy.”
Extra bases
The Phillies have not publicly announced an extra starter for Thursday’s doubleheader, but Kyle Kendrick is a safe bet. Kendrick, however, has not pitched since Aug. 24.