Oblique strain sidelines Utley
The Philadelphia Phillies placed second baseman Chase Utley on the 15-day disabled list with a oblique strain, the Phillies announced Thursday.
The 34-year-old is expected to be out two to four weeks with what team called a mild Grade 1 strain. An MRI indicated there was no rib-cage or intercostal damage.
Utley started feeling a burning sensation on Tuesday during batting practice. He was taken out of the lineup for that night's game and didn't play Wednesday.
The veteran was off to a strong start this year. In 44 games, Utley is hitting .272 with seven home runs and 25 RBI.
Freddy Galvis and Kevin Frandsen will fill in at second while Utley is sidelined.
The Phillies plan to to call up a player from the minor leagues on Friday to take Utley's roster spot.
