While the Phillies took on the Houston Astros in Kissimmee Saturday afternoon, several starters stayed behind, including Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez.

A few others, Brad Lidge and Chad Durbin, played in an intra-squad minor league game.

Oh, Chase Utley played, too.

That's right - Chase Utley, who had hip surgery in late November, quietly made his debut in a game this spring. He finished 2-for-4 with a double and two strikeouts.

Utley could play in the big league game tomorrow when the Phillies return to Clearwater to host St. Louis.

UPDATE: I spoke with Ruben Amaro Jr. and Charlie Manuel here in Kissimmee. Manuel says Utley will rest Sunday, and may very well make the trip to Tampa to play his first Grapefruit League game against the Yankees Monday.

"Yeah, he'll probably go," Manuel said.

By the way, props to CSNPhilly.com's John Finger for being my eyes and ears back at the Carpenter Complex.