NEW YORK -- Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said Andrés Blanco is the best utility player he has seen in 48 years.
Blanco has not played since July 24 because of a broken left index finger. He said Sunday morning at Citi Field that he expects to rejoin the team sometime after the Phillies' roster can expand Thursday, although it likely will be after that.
Blanco just began to field ground balls Saturday, and he said he expects to begin hitting off a practice tee Tuesday.
"We've been doing good so far," Blanco said about his recovery. "We'll keep pushing."
Blanco hit .271 with 13 doubles, one triple, four home runs and 21 RBIs in 155 at-bats before the injury.
Home run cycle
The Phillies on Saturday night allowed a solo home run, two-run home run, three-run home run and a grand slam in a 12-1 loss to the Mets. According to Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first time the Phillies allowed a "cycle of home runs" since May 17, 1979, at Wrigley Field in the infamous 23-22 victory over the Cubs.