Utley Expected To Miss 5-6 Weeks

By Justin Worsley

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, the 15-day disabled list isn't long enough for Chase Utley.

The Phillies star second baseman will have surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, according to a source. Utley, 31, injured the thumb while sliding into second base last Monday during a 7-3 loss. The injury, which occurred in the fourth-inning, didn't stop Utley from continuing playing until the ninth-inning, when he was no longer able to grip a baseball bat. Utley went 1-for-3 in the game.

Utley, who elected surgery after receiving a second opinion, is expected to miss between 5-6 weeks. The loss of Utley is the latest blow to the defending National League champions, who have also lost shortstop Jimmy Rollins, starting pitcher J.A. Happ and catcher Carlos Ruiz for a portion of the season. Philadelphia also placed third baseman Placido Polanco on the 15-day disabled list with Utley due to elbow inflammation.

Utley, who has made the last four All-Star teams, has recovered from several injuries in the past, including a broken hand in 2007 and off-season hip surgery in 2008.

Starting in Utley's place has been Wilson Valdez. Valdez is batting .259 with three home runs and 19 RBIs in 45 games this season.