Chase Utley is hitting .099 and has gone 19 at-bats without a hit.

The Philadelphia Phillies have given Utley some time off lately as a mental break, but five weeks into the season there are questions as to whether the 36-year-old will emerge from his slump.

In 1989, Phillies great Mike Schmidt was hitting .203 thought 42 games when he abruptly decided to retire. Comparisons have been made, but Schmidt doesn't think Utley is finished.

"I would have never dreamed Chase could have the results he's had with his hitting ability," said Schmidt, a special consultant and broadcaster with the Phillies. "I admire the way he seems to have handled it. Every day is a new day for him -- trying to figure out a way to help the team win a ballgame. He’s a mentally tough guy.

"I don't think it's time to start thinking about Chase Utley being at the end or anything like that. I put money on him being Player of the Month next [month]. It'll turn around that fast. A couple of scratch hits, a couple of balls find holes, and the whole aura of the season can change."