Utley To Have Hip Surgery; Could Miss Start of '09 Season

Big news from the world champs: Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will have surgery on his right hip next week and could be out up to six months. By my math, that means he may not be back until late May.

From the Phillies' press release:

Based on the diagnostic studies and examinations, it has been recommended that Utley have surgery on his right hip, which is scheduled for next week. The procedure will be an arthroscopic evaluation with treatment of any labral or bony injury. The recovery will allow for the initiation of baseball activities between three and four months, however, the total recovery time may require four to six months.