Utley making progress on rehab assignment

TRENTON, N.J. -- Chase Utley took another step toward a return to the Phillies on Tuesday night, going 1-for-4 with a single and two runs scored while playing six innings in the field for Double-A Reading as he continues to rehab from a right ankle injury.

"The ankle feels good," said Utley, who has been out of action since June 22. "So far, so good."

In his first game action in the field since the injury, Utley looked fluid and smooth, fielding all four ground balls hit to him with ease.

"When you're playing defense, you always want the ball hit to you," said Utley. "Having three balls hit to me early in the first inning was a nice early challenge."

Serving as the third hitter in the Reading lineup, Utley singled in his third at-bat.

"Right now, I'm just trying to create some timing," Utley said. "In a few at-bats, I think I had good timing. In some others, I was just a little off. It's a work in progress, and I am trying to improve with every at-bat here."

Utley is expected to play one more game with Reading on Wednesday in Trenton before the organization reevaluates his status on Thursday.

"I plan on coming back here tomorrow and playing a majority of the game while getting some more at-bats under my belt," said Utley. "We will see where I am after that."