Phillies to activate second baseman Chase Utley from 15-day DL

The Philadelphia Phillies will activate second baseman Chase Utley from the disabled list.

The Philadelphia Phillies will activate second baseman Chase Utley from the disabled list Friday, the team announced.

Utley, 36, has been on the 15-day DL since June 23, when he went down with right ankle inflammation. He began a rehab assignment Sunday. The six-time All-Star has hit .179 in 65 games this season, with four home runs and 25 RBIs.

Utley has been linked to teams in trade rumors recently, with the possibility of him clearing waivers making him a candidate for contenders due to his pedigree and experience.

• CORCORAN: Top trade candidates for August waiver deadline

While Utley's been out, second baseman Cesar Hernandez has emerged for Philadelphia. He is hitting .283 with 16 stolen bases.

The Phillies also selected the contract of lefthander Adam Loewen from Triple A Lehigh Valley. The 31-year-old last pitched in the majors in 2008, and switched to the outfield shortly afterward thanks to an elbow injury. He played 14 games with Toronto as a position player in 2011. Loewen converted back to the mound in 2014 upon signing with the Phillies. He holds a 2.14 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 10 saves at Triple A this season.

Philadelphia begins a 10-game West Coast road trip Friday in San Diego.

- Jeremy Woo