"Certain conveniences are provided by a 101/2-game lead in the National League East, the Phillies' advantage beginning Thursday. If the Phillies were to go 11-12 to end the season, the Braves would have to win their remaining 20 games just to tie for the division lead.

So caution, and perhaps an abundance of it, will prevail.

That is why Chase Utley did not step on the team's charter plane late Wednesday and instead stayed home to see a concussion specialist on Thursday. Utley will remain there likely through the weekend, and his the date of his return to the lineup is unknown. The second baseman was plunked on his helmet Wednesday by Braves lefthander Eric O'Flaherty."