That assessment comes Monday from general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. At first, the five-time All-Star second baseman was believed to have problems with just his right knee.
Utley hasn't played in a game this spring because of his condition, which forced him to miss all of last spring and the first 46 games of the regular season. He is leaving camp to see a specialist.
The Phillies already are without Ryan Howard. The former MVP is recovering from surgery on his left Achilles and is unlikely to return before June.
In a statement released Monday, Phillies Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said:
"Chase's rehab process has come to a bit of a plateau. He has made some strides but not enough to take the field. He is headed out of town for a few days to be evaluated by a specialist that has helped athletes overcome his issue. We anticipate that this trip will allow him to build on what he has already done with Scott Sheridan in order to get over the hump. He wants more than anything to be on the field with his teammates and we believe that this is a step in that direction."
Utley has not participating in team fielding drills or taking grounders during batting practice, but is hitting.
There is no word on when he will return to the team.
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Information provided by The Associated Press was used in this report.
