"The Phillies will pin their hopes to rejuvenate a punchless offense on the often-reliable shoulders of Chase Utley, whose troublesome knee is what makes that a venture wrought with risk.

Utley's absence -- or the need for someone, anyone, to light an offensive spark -- was clearly apparent again Sunday as the Phillies went down quietly 2-0 to the Texas Rangers in the wrapup of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phils did manage to win the first two games 3-2 and 2-0 behind the pitching of Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee. Roy Oswalt held up his end of the bargain Sunday, when the Phils' desperation included Ryan Howard, leading off the ninth, trying to put down a bunt just to give them a rare baserunner.

Sunday morning, four black bats and pairs of red and white sneakers sat on the chair in front of Utley's locker in the Phillies clubhouse, a rather obvious sign of his return from a nine-game rehab stint at Class A Clearwater.

Utley appeared soon after, but wouldn't agree to fill in the hovering media on his plans, which the Phillies then said would be discussed among team and medical officials."