CLEARWATER, Fla. — With second baseman Chase Utley unable to play in spring training games because of a right knee injury, the Phillies are hoping to avoid surgery.
“I think that’s the last resort at this point,” Utley said. “We’re going to try to exhaust every avenue prior to that.”
The Phillies said an MRI of the five-time all-star on Monday revealed tendinitis, bone inflammation and chondromalacia, which is pain due to irritation under the kneecap.
“We’re still doing and researching who exactly we want to get opinions from,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
Threats linked to Cabrera
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Police were summoned to a restaurant before Miguel Cabrera was arrested on DUI charges last month because the Tigers first baseman allegedly threatened a manager and an off- duty fish and wildlife officer.
The manager and off-duty officer told police Cabrera smelled of alcohol, insinuated he had a gun in a shoulder bag and said, “I know all of you, and I will kill all of you and blow this place up.”
Braves coach hit by liner
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Braves minor-league manager Luis Sala- zar was awake and able to respond to doctors after being hit in the face by Brian McCann’s foul liner while standing in the dugout during a 6-1 loss to the Cardinals.
Salazar could have suffered a concussion and a facial fracture as well as damage around his left eye. He was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center and was to stay overnight.
Footnotes.
Rangers right- hander Brandon Webb (shoulder) said he felt good after throwing 62 pitches during batting practice.
• Dodgers pitcher Jon Garland left his start against Seattle because of pain in his side.
Denver Post wire services
