"The progressions of Chase Utley's recovery have been measured in accomplishing simple baseball tasks made difficult by a bad right knee. Sunday brought another milestone: Utley played in a "semi-simulated" game, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.

It marks a key step in Utley's return from patellar tendinitis. The second baseman saw breaking balls (thrown by pitching coach Rich Dubee) for the first time since the beginning of spring training. Utley then ran the bases and also took grounders at second base. To simulate a game, he sat in the dugout in between "innings" for a few minutes.

This all happened for about three innings with Charlie Manuel and a number of Phillies officials watching.

"This is a good sign," Amaro said.

The Phillies and Utley will not know how good until Monday, when he will feel some of the aftereffects of increased activity. But if those pains are minimal, the plan is for Utley to play another simulated game Tuesday.

Everyone involved has been reluctant to put any sort of timetable on a return, but Amaro did not rule out Utley's being able to go to Florida by the end of the week to begin playing in minor-league games.

"I guess it's possible," Amaro said. "But we're not putting any time lines on it because it is literally still a day-to-day thing."

Utley was unavailable for comment. The repetition and increased workload suggest he is close to rehab-game readiness.

That does not mean Utley will return after three minor-league games, as he has from injuries in the past. This rehab will require a prolonged stint to see live pitching, since Utley has not played in an actual game since Oct. 23, 2010 - Game 6 of the National League Championship Series."