Approximately five hours before the Phillies and Nationals played the rubber game of their three game series in Washington, Chase Utley began running.

Utley, who has been sidelined with chronic right knee pain since games started in spring training six weeks ago, did shuttle drills under the watchful eye of head team trainer Scott Sheridan. He also ran between first and third base, turning up his speed in the 90 feet between second and third.

"He's driving the train," assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said of Utley's progress. "He's progressing as he tolerates. And if he said he is OK trying to run, obviously he felt good enough to do that. We'll see how he feels tomorrow, that's really the true test of his he's progressing."

The Phils have no time table for Utley's return. He began fielding three weeks ago, just before the team broke camp in Clearwater, Fla.

Utley did not make himself available for comment prior to Thursday's game.