PHILADELPHIA -- Chase Utley was activated from the disabled list Tuesday by the Phillies, more than a week ahead of schedule.Utley, a five-time All-Star second baseman, suffered a sprained right thumb June 28 while sliding into second base. At the time he has hitting .277 with a .383 on-base percentage.
He underwent surgery July 1 and was expected to miss eight weeks. But he began a minor-league rehabilitation assignment Saturday and got in four games for Class A Clearwater.
Utley takes a 15-game hitting streak into Tuesday night's game against the Giants; the teams are tied for the NL wild-card lead.
The Phillies designated infielder Greg Dobbs for assignment to open a roster spot.




