26 Chase Utley, 2B

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley might begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. 

Utley took batting practice this past weekend, and the team will likely decide the next step before Monday's game with the Nationals. Utley has been out with an oblique strain since late May. He's hitting .272/.339/.475 in 158 at-bats. 

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley (ribs) took part in batting practice Friday and Saturday for the first time since he was injured on a batting-practice swing last month.

Utley told the Philadelphia Inquirer he is unsure when he'll begin a minor-league rehab assignment. He's not expected to rejoin the Phillies until next weekend at the earliest.

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley still doesn't have a timetable for his return from the disabled list, MLB.com reports. He has been swinging a bat this week but has yet to have a rehab assignment scheduled.

Utley had targeted the middle of June for his return, which is this weekend, and it's still possible he could be back early next week after a few rehab game.

"I think it’s still realistic," Utley told MLB.com Wednesday. "Everything has gone well so far. Tomorrow I’m going to probably do the same, maybe pick up the intensity a little bit and go from there. But I don’t have an actual date (in mind to return). … The guys who I’ve talked to, who have had this in the past, they said once you start swinging, a few said it was sore and they had to back off for a few days. So far I haven’t had to do that."

Phillies third base coach Ryne Sandberg put second baseman Chase Utley (ribs) through a rigorous infield workout Sunday, according to CSN Philadelphia. Utley also started swinging in the batting cage Sunday.

The veteran second baseman remains on track for a mid-June return.

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique strain, told MLB.com Friday he is hoping to return at some point in mid-June.

Utley will start taking swings in three to four days and hopes to begin a rehab assignment shortly after, possibly with Double-A Reading or Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

"We haven't talked about it, but I don't think [Class A-Advanced] Clearwater is in the plans," Utley said.