"There is no relief coming for the Phillies' slumping offense in the immediate future.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said second baseman Chase Utley won't be back this weekend while he continues to serve a minor league rehab assignment with Class A Clearwater.

And Amaro said he is not about to trade for a hitter.

Amaro said the plan was for Utley to play full back-to-back games Wednesday night and tonight. Utley has played two straight games on two occasions during his rehab stint, but has has yet to play two straight full games.

Amaro said he's not about to rush Utley, even though the offense is struggling. The Phillies came into their game Wednesday hitting just .204 over their previous 11 games. They have scored three runs or fewer in 22 of their 41 games this season.

"Of course, it is (tempting)," Amaro said. "But I think we've got to do what's right for Chase and what's right for the long haul. We've got to make sure he's physically right. We've got to get him at-bats. He's got to get his rhythm, not just at the plate, but also in the field."

Once Utley returns, Amaro said that would be the equivalent of acquiring a hitter in a trade.

"We really haven't been out there looking for bats," Amaro said. "We're more focused on our own club and trying to get our guys healthy."

That's what Phillies manager Charlie Manuel would like to see as well. He already knows that there is going to be a lot of pressure on Utley to lift the offense when he gets back."