Rehab Updates From Clearwater: Howard, Utley Improving In Rehab Stints

(Philliedelphia: Steve Trapani)

The news is getting better for the Phillies. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are both improving during their rehab stints down in Clearwater. Chase Utley has been playing second base for the last few days and each game extending his playing time. Howard has been hitting and doing fielding drills during his rehab.

Chase Utley played five innings at second base during a minor-league inner squad game. At the plate, Ryan Howard went 2-4 with a home run. Howard went on to do fielding and baserunning drills after the game. There's no word on how Chase did at the plate, but Utley, who began his rehab assignment Tuesday, went .077 average (1 for 13) in three Florida State League games for the Threshers. 

In yesterday's game, a rookie exhibition game, Ryan Howard went 3-for-4 with two home runs and a double. Utley went 1-for-4 with a walk while playing four innings at second base.

Get back soon, boys.

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.