(http://www.rantsports.com) — For the second straight season, the Philadelphia Phillies began without five-time All-Star second baseman Chase Utley, a catalyst for the team offensively and defensively. Utley is dealing with a bout of patellar tendinitis in both knees, and he has been limited in terms of which baseball activities he can do. 7 hours

(http://www.rantsports.com) — The Philadelphia Phillies have dealt minor league outfielder Rich Thompson to the Tampa Bay Rays in return for outfielder Kyle Hudson. Thompson was a member of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, but with the Rays having nine players on the disabled list, his services were needed in the major leagues for Tampa Bay. 8 hours

(http://www.rantsports.com) — The Philadelphia Phillies called up relief pitcher Jake Diekman recently and he made his major league debut last night 8 hours

(http://www.rantsports.com) — The Philadelphia Phillies have placed pitcher Vance Worley on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Worley was initially scheduled to start tonight against the Chicago Cubs but Kyle Kendrick took his place. 11 hours

(http://www.rantsports.com) — The Philadelphia Phillies have swept the Houston Astros in a two-game series that gives the Phillies their first three-game winning streak of the 2012 season. The Phillies play another two-game series, this one 11 hours

(http://www.rantsports.com) — The Philadelphia Phillies have two big free agents at the end of the season - Cole Hamels and Shane Victorino. Signing Hamels is essential. 1 day 8 hours

(http://www.rantsports.com) — Don’t look now, but following an absolutely brutal bullpen collapse in the series sweep at the hands of the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies’ relief pitchers have been turning it around. The bullpen combined for seven strong innings in the series win over the San Diego Padres and turned in another quality performance in tonight’s win over the Houston Astros. 2 days

(http://www.rantsports.com) — Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco entered tonight’s contest with the Houston Astros hoping to get his 2,000th major league hit. He did so in style, slamming a two-run home run to put the Phillies up by a 5-1 score late in the game. 2 days