After a disappointing close to the 2016 season, the likelihood of Chase Utley returning for another season with the Los Angeles Dodgers did not appear great. The club needed an everyday second baseman, and preferably one who was a right-handed batter.
But last December, Utley re-signed on a one-year, $2 million contract that includes incentives. What worked in his favor was the emphasis and value the Dodgers placed on Utley’s leadership and clubhouse presence.
Though, Utley is now filling the most reduced role of his career, and that seemingly has impacted his production. “The preparation is there. You can argue he’s never had the inconsistent playing time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“So that’s an adjustment for him. But I know he’ll never make that excuse. He’s a grinder, he’s going to figure it out.”
With Logan Forsythe on the disabled list, it’s afforded Utley with some semblance of regular playing time. Since Forsythe was put on the DL on April 19, Utley has appeared in 10 of 12 games, making seven starts.
However, he’s hit a lowly .167/.259/.208 during that span. Overall this season, the 37-year-old has just five hits (one double) and one RBI in 49 plate appearances across 20 games (11 starts).
Appearing in 138 games last season, which was his most since 2014, Utley batted .252/.319/.396 with 26 doubles, 14 home runs, 52 RBI and a 95 OPS+. Utley got off to a hot start as the Dodgers everyday second baseman and primary leadoff hitter, but his production waned down the stretch.
