The run without half of the Phillies stud infield is almost over. Placido Polanco could be belting the ball in Wrigley Field this weekend.

Seemingly buried in a story about the Phillies pitching and a Chase Utely update was a nugget about Polanco’s rehab. The starting third baseman went 1-for-4 in a rehab assignment and is expected back from the DL on Saturday against the Cubs.

Placido Polanco is expected back in the Phillies lineup this weekend.

The Phillies have been without Polanco and Utley since early July. The offense has suffered in spurts, although both Wilson Valdez and Greg Dobbs have done better than expected. Dobbs may have actually earned his role back on the bench.

For the season, Polanco is hitting .318 with five long balls and 27 RBI. Batting him second behind Jimmy Rollins should help the offense score more, something the team will need to do if it is to make a serious run at a fourth straight playoff birth.