"Second baseman Chase Utley could begin extended spring training as early as today after coming out of several days of simulated games without any setbacks.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team was "still trying to decide the next step," but CSNPhilly reported that sources close to the team believe Utley could leave for the team's facilities in Clearwater, Fla., today.

"We haven't set any schedule yet," Amaro said, adding that once Utley arrives in Florida, "I would assume it would be a slow progression."

Manager Charlie Manuel said he wasn't sure how many at-bats Utley might need in a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, but Utley has a history of progressing quickly through them.

Chooch still out

Carlos Ruiz's recovery from a sore back hit a snag Wednesday after the catcher took his first swings in a week.

Ruiz was pulled from the Phillies' April 27 game after his first at-bat because of back soreness.

He hasn't played since but has caught some bullpen sessions, and Amaro said Ruiz was recovering well until Wednesday's work aggravated the injury.

"He's still kind of not necessarily available," Amaro said. "He was progressing real well and then kind of tweaked himself a little bit."

The Phillies have kept Ruiz on the active roster expecting a quicker turnaround, but the team has until Saturday to place him on the 15-day disabled list and backdate the move to the date of the injury.

For now, Amaro said that's not in the cards."