Phillies' Utley to miss 1st week of Grapefruit League games

Chase Utley didn't work out Monday with the Philadelphia Phillies due to an ankle injury and won't be in the lineup for his team's Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees on Tuesday at Bright House Field.

Though manager Ryne Sandberg said the club is simply trying to ease Utley into game action as he recovers from a right ankle sprain suffered in January, the second baseman isn't expected to make his spring debut for at least a week.

"I'm making a little progress," Utley told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. "Obviously I wish it was a little quicker, but I’m trying to be smart about it. It seems like it’s making some progressions every few days. I’d like to get out there as soon as possible.

"There’s no sense in overdoing it and screwing something else up, especially when we have a month until the season starts."

Utley, 36, was also among the many veterans omitted from the lineup for Sunday's 6-2 loss to the University of Tampa and is still dealing with some swelling in his ankle.

"It looks worse than it is," Utley said of his injury. "But it's not like it’s (completely healthy). There's no point balancing on it or jumping on it. If I start balancing on it and jumping on it, and this isn't ready, then something else is going to take the brunt of it, and I want to avoid (that). So that’s where we're at."

The six-time All-Star appeared in 155 games last season but has missed considerable time in recent years due to a variety of injuries, averaging 108 games per campaign from 2010-13.