Phils give Utley some needed rest

PHILADELPHIA -- After 10 hours and 55 minutes of baseball the past two games, Chase Utley got a breather on Sunday.

Utley is a .107 (3-for-28) hitter against the Mets' Sunday starter, left-hander Jonathan Niese.

The second baseman has struggled recently. Since May 18, his batting average has dropped 27 points, from .347 to .320. Over his last three games, Utley is 2-for-15 (.133).

Utley last received a day off on April 22.