The Los Angeles Dodgers were limited in what they could complete in Friday’s workout due to inclement weather, but they were joined by Chase Utley. His presence in camp at Camelback Ranch was expected, as Utley is an unofficial member of the front office.
The Dodgers have not yet announced the hiring of Utley, who will assist however he sees fit. “Hasn’t been completely defined,” manager Dave Roberts said of Utley’s role.
“We want to give Chase as much latitude as he wants. He’s going to be in town for a few days, and then he’ll come back again and again. Just kind of getting the landscape and the footing, talking to Minor League players. Hopefully he’ll connect with Lux and Estevez and some of the middle infielders, and just kind of figuring out where he fits.”
Well before Utley arrived at the end of his playing career, the Dodgers made it clear they wanted him to remain with the organization upon retiring. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman even joked he would keep close tabs on Utley in his post-playing days.
Utley went into retirement completely at peace with walking away from the game and valuing the appreciation the Dodgers have shown him since acquiring the veteran infielder in August 2015.
