Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Chase Utley was suspended two games by Major League Baseball for his hard slide in Game 2 of the National League Division Series that broke up a double play attempt, and fractured New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada’s right fibula.
While the suspension was handed down Sunday evening, roughly 24 hours before Game 3 of the NLDS at Citi Field, Utley was in uniform Monday night and eligible to play. That was due to Utley appealing the suspension, and a hearing not taking place prior to Game 3.
According to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times, Utley’s appeal hearing has been set for Monday, Oct. 19:
Source: Chase Utley's appeal hearing has been scheduled for next Monday (Oct. 19).
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 13, 2015
With the hearing not coming until next week, Utley can play in Tuesday’s Game 4 against the Mets, a potential Game 5 on Thursday, and Games 1 and 2 of the NL Championship Series, should the Dodgers advance.
Despite his career success against Mets right-hander Matt Harvey, Utley was not in the Dodgers lineup on Monday, and wasn’t used as a pinch-hitter, as he had been in each of the first two games of the series.
Should the Dodgers get eliminated Tuesday night, Utley’s suspension, assuming it’s either reduced to one game or upheld, will carry over into the 2016 season.
