PHILADELPHIA -- The man leading the Phillies in on-base percentage might soon have far fewer chances to get on.
Six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner Chase Utley has been on the disabled list since June 23 with inflammation in his right ankle, but he made his first rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday. Utley went 2-for-3 with a walk, an encouraging sign given that the second baseman reached base three times in just seven of the 65 games he played in the Majors this year.
Utley's return, however, is likely the signal of a reduced role for his replacement, Cesar Hernandez.