PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Injured Phillies second baseman Chase Utley is going to extended spring training and pitcher Roy Oswalt is going to the doctor.
Oswalt will miss his scheduled Saturday against the Braves. Right-hander Kyle Kendrick will start in his place.
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said that Oswalt is feeling discomfort in his lower back and will be examined by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti. Oswalt returned to the Phillies on Thursday after spending eight days with his family in tornado-ravaged Mississippi.
“Just some soreness but we’re not going to take any chances,” Amaro said.
In mid-April, Oswalt came out of a game after hurting his lower back running the bases.
“I’ve been a little tight and it hasn’t got any better,” Oswalt said. “I could probably pitch on Saturday but couldn’t promise any results.”
Amaro said before Friday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves that Utley will play at least one inning in a game at Dunedin, Fla., on Saturday.
“It’s a day-to-day process but he will be on the field to play,” Amaro said. “He may play one inning, or more if he feels like it.”
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