"Since the Phillies shut down their star second baseman in late February, the only certainty about Chase Utley's recovery from a painful knee condition has been the club's steadfast refusal to even address a timetable for his return.

That did not change yesterday, when Ruben Amaro Jr. briefed the media on his team's densely populated disabled list. But the general manager's tone was far more upbeat than it has been at any point over the previous 2 months, and there are plenty of indications that the Phillies are expecting Utley to return at some point this month.

Yesterday, Utley participated in a short simulated game in which he took batting practice, fielded ground balls, then sat on the bench in an effort to replicate the periods of inactivity that occur during the game.

"We'll find out [today] how he feels, and if he feels OK [today], we'll try it again on Tuesday," Amaro said. "He's made a progression. It's good. If he comes out of it OK, then it's good."

The next big step could be a rehab assignment that will take on the feel of an abbreviated spring training. Although the team's No. 3 hitter has continued to take batting practice throughout his absence, he has not faced live pitching - that is, full speed from a human being - since late February. The perennial All-Star has made a habit of speedy returns, but this time around he will not be able to draw on a half-season's worth of major league at-bats, as he did last season at the end of a 6-week layoff due to wrist surgery.

"I think this is different" than last year, said manager Charlie Manuel. "I think he'll tell us when he's ready by how he is playing."

Utley is not the only potential upgrade the Phillies might make to their struggling offense over the next month. Rightfielder Domonic Brown was activated from the disabled list and optioned to Triple A Lehigh Valley yesterday after a 7-week recovery from surgery to repair a broken bone in his right hand. In five rehab games at High A Clearwater, the organization's No. 1 prospect went 7-for-19 (.368) with two home runs, a double, three strikeouts and two walks. Brown entered spring training competing for playing time in the outfield, but struggled in six Grapefruit League games, going 1-for-16 (.063) with nine strikeouts and three walks.

With leftfielder Raul Ibanez struggling - he entered yesterday hitless in his previous 30 at-bats - Brown could get an opportunity with the Phillies. First, though, he needs to convince the organization's decision makers that he is ready for such a role."