I poked into Charlie Manuel's office before tonight's game, to get an update on his infielders.

Here it is: Placido Polanco will not play tonight vs. Orioles; Chase Utley, at least for now, is in the lineup.


"I'll take four or five at-bats down there and be ready for Sunday," said Polanco, who sprained his right knee Monday.

He was asked the difference from how the knee felt today compared to two days ago.

"Huge," Polanco said. "A lot better. I'm doing everything today: ground balls in the field, B.P. (batting practice) and then tomorrow playing. But I guess they thought in the minor league game, it's easier then going out there (right away) in front of 10,000 people."

Utley has been out of the lineup in each of the last two games with an upper respiratory illness. Unless something changes between now and game time, he's expected to play.