For a front office that’s criticized over their approach to constructing a roster, the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signing Chase Utley in the offseason flew in the face of stereotypes they’d been labeled with.
After getting traded to the Dodgers in August 2015, Utley’s on-field impact was minimal. He hit .202/.291/.363 with nine doubles, three home runs and nine RBI in 34 games. But the organization valued his experience, leadership and presence in the clubhouse.
On Tuesday the Dodgers may have suffered another first-round playoff exit if not for their 37-year-old veteran.
Utley’s go-ahead single in the eighth inning was the difference against the Washington Nationals in Game 4 of the National League Division Series. A winner-take-all Game 5 is now set for Thursday.
Obviously it was a big hit for us, but there were a lot of great at-bats today,” said Utley in his typical unflappable state. “For the most part, you’re in that situation a lot over the course of a season.
“You obviously try to keep it simple and try to put a good at-bat together. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. [Tuesday] it did.” Utley certainly lives up to the reputation that precedes him — a man of few words but one who doesn’t shy away from a big moment.
His teammates are often left to speak of Utley’s accomplishments and successes. There were happy to do so in the clubhouse after their thrilling victory. “I don’t want to downplay it, but that’s standard Chase. He’s a guy you want up there in those situations,” Joe Blanton said.
“He’s not going to let the game speed up on him. Down in the count, it doesn’t matter to him. He’s going to put a quality at-bat together.” Blanton and Utley won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 and were teammates on other playoff teams.
Justin Turner, who’s only played alongside Utley for just over one season, echoed Blanton’s remarks. “He always gets the big hit,” Turner said. “That’s who he is, he gets it done.”
Clayton Kershaw has heaped praise on the veteran second baseman on multiple occasions, and did so again after Game 4. “Chase has been doing it his whole career. He’s the most prepared guy out there,” Kershaw said.
“There’s not really another guy on our team that you want up in that situation. Obviously, Seager, J.T. and Gonzo have all been there before and are really good hitters, but Chase just kind of seems to rise to the occasion.”
Initially re-signed under the notion he’d fill a utility role this season, Utley was the Dodgers’ starting second baseman and leadoff hitter come Opening Day. He never relinquished either.
For better or worse, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stuck with Utley even when he cooled at the plate. “As bad as his at-bats might have been earlier in the game, you know what, he just doesn’t scare off and he keeps competing,” Roberts said Tuesday.
“So I’ll take my chance with Chase any time.”
