The Phillies activated 2B Chase Utley from the 15-day DL just in time for tonight's game against the Mets.
Utley, who has missed 28 games since breaking a bone in his right hand July26, cleared the final hurdle in his path to the starting lineup, receiving medical clearance from hand specialist Randall Culp on Monday afternoon. He is hitting in the second slot in the lineup, behind Jimmy Rollins and ahead of Pat Burrell (That's right Pat is hitting third).
Utley, a two-time All-Star, was hitting .336 with 17 home runs, 41 doubles and82 RBI before the injury. He completed a three-game rehabilitation stint with Double-A Reading in which he went 1-for-10.
Tadahito Iguchi has hit .301 in Utley's absence but will move to the bench.
Philadelphia went 15-13 without Utley in the lineup and enters this series six games behind NL East-leading New York.
To make room for Utley on the roster, the Phillies designated infielder Russell Branyan for assignment.
In other team news: RHP Freddy Garcia (strained right shoulder) is scheduled to meet with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Thursday.
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