CSN: Utley better, but not ready for rehab stint

ST. LOUIS ? Chase Utley was in a chipper mood Sunday morning, a telltale that his knees were feeling pretty good.

?My knees the last week or so have felt better than they have in a while, which is kind of what we?ve been working toward,? he said. ?I?m progressing well. Every day seems like it?s getting a little bit better.?

Utley stepped up his workouts at second base on Friday and Saturday, taking between 25 and 30 ground balls at the position each day. Some of the ground balls forced him to move side to side ? ?A little bit quicker and a little harder,? he said ? and he did a lot of throwing to first Saturday. On Friday, he spent a lot of time reading balls off the bat during batting practice. He also chased down balls in left field, where the grass is easier on his knees. He said that was a good way for him to work on his agility.

?The last couple of days we?ve pushed it and increased the intensity a little and they?ve [the knees] responded well,? he said. ?That?s a good sign in my eyes.?

Utley said he plans to accompany the team to New York for a three-game series that begins Monday. He still does not have a timetable for when he will report to Florida to play in minor-league games. He will make the call depending on how his knees feel.

?I think it?s just more of a feel,? he said. ?Right now I?m taking anywhere from 20 to 40 ground balls. The last few days have picked up that intensity as far as range and how hard I?m going after the ball. There?s a bit more of a process and I?ve worked a little harder. It?s encouraging that the following day I feel the same as I did the day before.?

Utley said he does not know what the next step in his rehab will be, ?But I?m encouraged by the way it has gone the past week or so.?

Returning as a second baseman is still Utley?s plan. However, his recent workouts in left field have left some to wonder if playing there would reduce pressure on his knees. Darren Daulton moved from catcher to right field after his knees were shot.

Would left field be a possibility for Utley down the road?

?I haven?t thought too much about it,? he said.

E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com

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