"The progress has been slow for Chase Utley for more than two months, but a return to action could be just around the corner.

Utley played in what general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. described as a "semi-simulated" game Sunday, hitting off pitching coach Rich Dubee, running the bases, taking ground balls at second base and resting between innings to simulate the up-and-downs of a real game.

It marks the most significant progress yet for Utley, who has not participated in normal baseball activities since being shelved with patellar tendinitis in late February.

"He's progressing," Amaro said. "If he comes out of it OK, it was good. We'll find out (today) how he feels."

If the response is positive, Utley will go through the same activities again Tuesday. From there, things could progress quickly.

Asked if there was a chance Utley could begin some work in extended spring training games in Clearwater within a week, Amaro left the door open.

"I guess it's possible, but we're not putting any timelines on him," Amaro said. "It's literally still a day-to-day thing."

The Phillies want to see Utley be able to work on consecutive days before he begins a rehab assignment, and from there he's going to need his fair share of at-bats to shake off the rust.

"He's going to have to play in some games to get his timing down," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I think we'll get a good gauge on how much he can play, how long its going to take before he can go in there and play in two or three games at a time."

Manuel said Utley will continue to provide the bulk of the input on how he feels and when he's ready to progress to the next stage of his rehab.

When Utley does return, Manuel said the team will be monitoring his work a bit closer than usual."