Read More: Chase Utley (2B – PHI), Pete Orr (2B – PHI), Philadelphia Phillies

In a terrible blow to the many half-dozens of Wilson Valdez and Pete Orr fans in the greater Philadelphia area, Chase Utley is back in the starting lineup Monday night, hitting second for the Philadelphia Phillies. Via SB Nation Philly, who have been all over Chase Utley returning, here is the long-anticipated visual evidence:

 

 

Utley played nine games in Class A Clearwater on a rehab assignment, getting 32 at-bats and managing a .281/.361/.438 line with six strikeouts. Otherwise he hasn’t played at all this spring, as he came to camp with knee problems that prevented him playing even in exhibition games.

The scariest thing for the NL East and the rest of the National League is that the Phillies were 28-18 without Utley. While it might take him a bit to get to 100 percent, all he has to do to improve the Phillies is out-hit Wilson Valdez, whose OPS was 20 points lower than that of Cole Hamels entering Monday’s game against Cincinnati.

Leave any suggestions in the comment box.

Injuries don't explain Chase Utley's drop in production in 2010, said Ruben Amaro Jr. "This happens sometimes," the Phils GM said. "There are blips on the screen where guys just don't have great years."

What are your opinions.

The bench-clearing rumble seemed just the ticket to fire up the Philadelphia Phillies offence. So did a two-out double by Ryan Howard with the speedy Jimmy Rollins on first base.

Not a lot else going on in the MLB world today.

Manager Charlie Manuel said he is leaning toward keeping Raul Ibanez in the lineup and Chase Utley in the third spot in the order for Saturday's Game 6.

There is the quick update of the day.

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has not looked like himself in the National League Championship Series. Game 5 gave him something to feel good about.

Thanks for reading! .

Down 2-1 in this best-of-seven NLCS, it's no secret that Chase Utley and the rest of the once-intimidating Phillies lineup needs to start supporting the club's heralded pitching rotation.

Running low on time today, i’ll be back tomorrow hopefully with some more news.