Chase Utley took his first step toward returning to the Phillies lineup Sunday at Coca-Cola Park. The 36-year old second baseman who has been the subject of trade rumors involving the Cubs, served as the IronPig designated hitter and had a successful day.

"Some at bats I had decent timing and others I didn't," Utley said after his 2-for-3 and a walk outing. "It's a work in progress, but overall it was good."

Battling a sore ankle all season, Utley is hitting just .179 in 65 games.

"Overall, the ankle is feeling the best that it has felt all year," he said. "We're just trying to move in the right direction."

As for batting, his initial at-bat was a bit shaky but after that looked a little bit more like the player Phillie fans remember.

In the sixth, IronPig leadoff hitter Chase d'Arnaud singled and despite recording an out with the next batter, Norfolk brought in MLB veteran lefty Dana Eveland to face Utley. Having already singled in the fourth, Utley worked the two-strike count. He fouled off three pitches before ripping a single to center.

"The first at-bat he looked a little rusty but I think as he kind of got into it he got a little bit of confidence," IronPig manager Dave Brundage said.

"Ankle felt good today," said Utley. "I was able to get four at bats and try to create some timing at the plate."

Utley was scheduled to rehab as a Fightin' Phil on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Bogusevic drought

To say Brian Bogusevic is going through a rough patch is an understatement. Since mid-June, he is batting just .219.

"He's shown consistency all season long and I think he's kind of fighting himself," Brundage said.

On Sunday, Bogusevic came to the pate with prime opportunities to drive in runs but ended back in the dugout without his team scoring runs. With two-on in the fourth, he flew out to center field. With the bases loaded in the sixth, his swing made contact that literally placed the ball inches from home plate for an inning-ending double play. In the eighth inning he struck out on three pitches with three awkward looking swings.

"He's working at it, in the cage taking 200 swings," Brundage said. "I don't know if there is a whole lot more he can do than to just free himself up and get a couple of hits.

Gutierrez released

With the trade deadline passed and a lot of new minor league blood flowing in the veins of the Phillies organization, decisions will be made that will spell the end of some players' tenure in the organization.

The first to go is 31-year old reliever Juan Gutierrez. The righty posted an impressive 4-1 record with a 2.88 ERA.

"He took the ball when asked and did a good job here," Brundage explained. "Sometimes you have to make decisions on which way you are going. Obviously you see the direction we're going in Philadelphia.

Added to the roster are two youthful ex-Texas Ranger farm hands who can sling the ball.

"I think he just didn't fit in the big league plans even though he did his job here," Brundage said. "At the same time you'd like to see some of the young guys get a chance."

As the team started its series in Toledo Monday, 23-year old Alec Asher (3-6, 4.73), the owner of a 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings in Triple-A Round Rock, makes his IronPig debut. Also on the road trip, his Round Rock teammate Jerad Eickhoff (9-4, 4.25) and the owner of a 1.25 WHIP as a starter will make his IronPig debut.

"I am kind of anxious to see what they are all about," Brundage said. "They seem like good young men just talking with them. They are probably anxious to get back out there on the mound so they'll have a jump in their step.

Werth stops by for rehab start

Jayson Werth has been making more headlines off the field lately than on the field. The former Phillie and current Nationals outfielder is trying to change that.

Just two days ago, the Buffalo News and The Washington Post ran articles highlighting the oversized tip, 55-percent on a $183.53 bill while dining at a Buffalo eatery called The Black Sheep.

Last night he made his fourth start for Triple-A Syracuse in rehabbing a fractured left wrist that has been injured often over his career. He told The Washington Post two days ago that he is healthy to go but the lingering question is how healthy will he really be?

Facing IronPig right-hander, Severino Gonzalez, Werth flew out and grounded out in his first two lackluster at-bats. Being the experienced professional, he made adjustments when his team needed it. Down 2-0 in the sixth inning, he sent Gonzalez's second pitch fast ball back up the middle for a single.

With two outs Chief outfielder Caleb Ramsey singled with two outs to send Werth to third base. One pitch later, Dan Butler drove in Werth for the first Syracuse run.

Werth flew out in the eighth and in the 10th inning he was part of the most pivotal inning of the game. With two outs, National's prospect Trea Turner drew a walk off IronPig reliever Adam Loewen, snapping his streak of retiring 26-straight batters. With two strikes against the hot left-hander, Werth was hit in the torso by Loewen's 1-2 offering.

The at-bat ended Werth's night with a 1-for 4 evening with a run scored.

The capacity crowd at Coca-Cola Park remembered Werth's success in Philadelphia with a warm and robust ovation as he approached the plate. It will not be long until he is wearing a National's uniform where he will receive the traditional Philadelphia welcome given to the best players of opposing teams.