Utley's rehab is ahead of schedule

After having right hip surgery on November 24, many expected Chase Utley to be out until at least May or June, missing the first couple months of the season. The surgery, which repaired torn cartilage and a bony lesion, spurred much of the Phillies early offseason activity, resulting in the signing of Marcus Giles and leading to speculation that prospect Jason Donald could see some early time in the big leagues. The Phillies hotly pursued then Cubs' infielder Mark Derosa as part of a three team deal that would have sent Jake Peavy to Chicago, and J.A. Happ to San Diego.

Apparently nobody told Utley that he would miss time, as he fully expects to be back by Opening Day...