"After weeks of negligible gains in his rehab from a knee injury, Chase Utley finally appears to be on the fast track for a return to the Phillies' lineup.

A month ago, light jogging was news. A week ago, he was playing in simulated games. A few days ago, he was in extended spring.

Thursday, he was hitting second in a lineup for Triple-A Clearwater that looked remarkably similar to one that might be trotted out at Citizens Bank Park on most days.

In his highly anticipated minor league debut -- televised locally by Comcast SportsNet -- Utley homered in his third plate appearance against the Palm Beach Cardinals. He went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored in the game. Catcher Carlos Ruiz went 1-for-3 with a run scored and his battery mate Roy Oswalt went five innings, allowing seven hits and three runs in a no-decision. He also struck out five.

By next weekend, there's every indication that the Phillies will have their All-Star second baseman back in the big leagues after Utley was sidelined for two months with patellar tendinitis.

The goal upon his return, Utley has said, is to stay in the lineup. That's why they've been patient with the rehab, slow to move forward in the recovery process and eager to avoid surgery.

But while only Utley knows for certain how he feels now, he's left little mystery about the brand of baseball he plans to play when he returns to action.

"I've played this game for a little while, and I feel like I play it the right way," Utley said shortly after the knee injury was diagnosed. "I don't know any other way to play it."

Utley's all-out style has made him a fan favorite, but it has also resulted in myriad injuries -- from hip surgery to a torn ligament in his thumb to his weary knee."