Cliff Lee successfully completed a bullpen session Saturday morning and is expected to make his return to the rotation Wednesday after missing three turns with a strained oblique.
Unfortunately, the news wasn’t quite so good as it pertained to Chase Utley. Manager Charlie Manuel said Friday that Utley would report to Clearwater early next week, but Utley said Saturday he’ll remain with the Phillies for a bit longer. When he does go to Clearwater and the Phillies’ minor league facility, it’ll be because he’s ready to play in games. However, he doesn’t yet have any timetable for when that will happen. Utley has been out since the spring with chronic knee problems.
With Freddy Galvis struggling mightily at the plate -- he’s hitting .185/.214/.284 in 81 at-bats -- the Phillies have recently started giving Pete Orr more playing time at second base.
Kyle Kendrick figures to move to back to the pen to make room for Lee in the rotation.