During batting practice before yesterday's ball game, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley felt discomfort in his right ribcage. He was scratched from the lineup and will most likely sit out tonight's game as well. Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today that the injury will require an MRI, which will take place tomorrow in back in Philadelphia.
“When he took a swing, he felt a little burn, a pain in his rib cage,” manager Charlie Manuel said of Utley after Tuesday's game. “Sometimes if you keep playing that can get more serious and you lose time. I’ve had those things. It’s hard to breathe, really hard to swing. We’ll see. Hopefully we don’t lose him for very long.”
From here it looks like Chase may have strained or pulled his oblique, an injury that is dibiliating for a second baseman. Don't be surprised to see Utley on the DL because of this. If Utley does land on the DL, Freddy Galvis would become the starting second baseman for the Phillies until he returns.
This injury could also potentially hurt Chase's trade value in the event that he is traded before the deadline. Utely's contract is up at the end of 2013. As of now, Utley is hitting .272 with 7 HR, two triples and 25 RBI in 44 games.
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter.
