Utley was hurt, to have surgery

Chase Utley was rumored to be hurt about a third to the end of the season. He never winced too much during that time but the rumor was he was hurt and just this afternoon ESPN Radio 950 in Philly put out a text message with knowledge that Utley will need a hip operation and need 5-6 months to heal.


This from the A.P. just an hour ago:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Three-time All-Star Chase Utley, who anchored the middle of the lineup for the World Series champion Phillies, will have surgery and may not be ready for the start of the 2009 regular season.

Utley will have surgery next week to repair any bone or cartilage damage he may have in his right hip. He will be able to begin baseball activity in three to four months. But depending on the extent of the damage, full recovery could take until May, team officials said Thursday.

"Our feeling is that he's going to be fairly close to ready if not ready by opening day," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We fully expect to have Chase Utley with us for the bulk of the season."

Utley was bothered by symptoms during the season but still hit .292 and led all second basemen with 33 home runs and 104 RBIs. While his season numbers were impressive, Utley started the season very well and tailed off in the last four months.