Chase Utley and the Philadelphia Phillies received some good news Saturday regarding the second baseman’s concussion. After getting back positive test results, it looks like Utley could rejoin the Phillies later this week.
Utley has been out since Wednesday after getting hit in the head by a pitch. The ball hit Utley in the back of his helmet but didn’t immediately seem to affect him.
Utley took first base, but later reported feeling dizzy when taking the field the following inning. Philadelphia removed Utley from the game and he hasn’t returned to action since.
In order to test the damage done by the beaning, the Phillies put Utley through an ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) Test.
During Spring Training, all players are put through an ImPACT test that acts as a baseline for doctors. This original test, taken while players are not dealing with concussion symptoms, can be compared with tests taken post-concussion to see the true impact of the injury and how it is affecting the player.
Utley was put through another ImPACT Test this weekend, and apparently the results were very similar to those of his original test this spring. Following the positive results, Utley will now be able to resume exercising. Utley will undergo another ImPACT Test Monday to see how he responds to this physical activity.
While the Phillies had already ruled Utley out for their upcoming series with the Houston Astros, the positive reports could allow the veteran to return later next week.
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