Cincinnati Reds vs Philadelphia Phillies
7:05 PM ET, May 23, 2011
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The NL-leading Philadelphia Phillies should get a boost to their struggling offense with the addition of Chase Utley. They might not need it Monday night given the way Cole Hamels has dominated the Cincinnati Reds.
Utley will be activated off the 15-day disabled list for the Phillies before they send Hamels to the mound to begin a four-game home series against the sliding Reds in the teams' first meeting since last year's playoffs.
The five-time All-Star second baseman rejoined Philadelphia (28-18) on Sunday after playing in his fourth straight rehab game Saturday night at Single-A Clearwater. He's been out all season because of tendinitis in his right knee.
Although he spent nine games at Clearwater, the Phillies are unsure what to expect from Utley, who will be in his customary No. 3 slot in the batting order.
"It's not only what he does for you on the field, but what he does in the clubhouse," left fielder Raul Ibanez said. "It's a big boost for us."
Philadelphia could use some help on offense after failing to score more than three runs in each of its last nine games. The Phillies missed a chance at a weekend sweep with Sunday's 2-0 loss to Texas.
Utley will be activated off the 15-day disabled list for the Phillies before they send Hamels to the mound to begin a four-game home series against the sliding Reds in the teams' first meeting since last year's playoffs.
The five-time All-Star second baseman rejoined Philadelphia (28-18) on Sunday after playing in his fourth straight rehab game Saturday night at Single-A Clearwater. He's been out all season because of tendinitis in his right knee.
Although he spent nine games at Clearwater, the Phillies are unsure what to expect from Utley, who will be in his customary No. 3 slot in the batting order.
"It's not only what he does for you on the field, but what he does in the clubhouse," left fielder Raul Ibanez said. "It's a big boost for us."
Philadelphia could use some help on offense after failing to score more than three runs in each of its last nine games. The Phillies missed a chance at a weekend sweep with Sunday's 2-0 loss to Texas.
Watch Cincinnati Reds vs Philadelphia Phillies Live Online Stream Free May 23, 2011 MLB
