Phillies Odds and Ends – Howard, Contreras, Galvis & Utley

Phillies' All Star 2nd Baseman Chase Utley is still in Arizona rehabbing his knees. He will remain there until at least April 23rd. The Phillies found some offense last night, nearly matching their total run output of their first 4 games with a 7-run outburst. It keyed the Phillies to a 7-1 victory over their division rival Florida Marlins, and improved them to 2-3 on the season. The real news was in Ruben Amaro Jr.’s comments earlier in the day. Amaro gave brief injury updates on the team’s fallen stars. Ryan Howard continues to recover from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon an subsequent infection. The slugger has rid himself of the infection that set him back, is no longer wearing a walking boot and has begun some cardiovascular exercise. He has been seen taking ground balls and cheering his team on from the dugout. Ryan Howard and the Phillies are still waiting for his wound to close before he progress further in his rehab. As has been the case, there is still no word ...