Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Dave Roberts To Ensure Chase Utley Receives Playing Time
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts To Ensure Chase Utley Receives Playing Time

Matthew Moreno
February 12, 2017
3 Min Read
Bob-geren-dave-roberts-chase-utley
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

The rich seemingly got richer late Friday evening as the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to terms with Chase Utley on a one-year contract. Prior to news surfacing of Utley’s expected re-signing, the Dodgers were also said to have inked former Seattle Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.

Although Los Angeles didn’t necessarily make Utley a priority this offseason, a potential reunion was never ruled out. Even after trading for Logan Forsythe to address their need at second base, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged the club still had interest in Utley.

During that January conference call, Friedman went so far as to say it wasn’t beyond reason to believe the club would have already re-signed Utley if their roster wasn’t heavy on left-handed hitters.

As it stands, the 14-year veteran figures to be part of a deep bench. Although Utley is expected to fill a lesser role this season than he did in 2016, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts intends to provide Utley with ample playing time, according to Bill Plunkett of the O.C. Register:

“I’m going to make sure Chase gets his at-bats,” Roberts said. “It’s going to work itself out. But the big thing is Chase wanted to be here and be part of what we’ve got going on.”

When the Dodgers re-signed Utley in December 2015 to a one-year deal, it was under the expectation he would spell Howie Kendrick at second base, and potentially Justin Turner at third. However, Kendrick’s calf injury during Spring Training led to his unseating at second base.

Utley batted .252/.319/.396 with 26 doubles, 14 home runs, 52 RBI and a 95 OPS+ while appearing in 138 games last season and serving as the Dodgers’ primary leadoff hitter. It was his most games played in a single season since 2014.

Although Utley’s production dipped as the season wore on, his clubhouse presence and leadership are qualities multiple members of the Dodgers organization, including Corey Seager, have championed.

In agreeing to re-sign with the Dodgers, Utley reportedly rejected a more lucrative offer. However, Gutierrez’s, Utley’s nor Sergio Romo’s reported contracts have been made official as of Sunday morning.

Los Angeles must make three corresponding moves to create room on their 40-man roster for the trio of signings.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Chase UtleyDave RobertsLos Angeles Dodgers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Dodgers News: Joc Pederson, Dave Roberts Break Down Wild Sequence That Saved Run
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Joc Pederson, Dave Roberts Break Down Wild Sequence That Saved Run

May 26, 2016
May 26, 2016
Will Smith
FeaturedVideo

Dodgers Highlights: Chris Taylor, Will Smith Provide Pop Against Rockies

July 26, 2021
July 26, 2021
Pedro Martinez
Dodgers News

The Worst Trade in Los Angeles Dodgers’ History

November 19, 2024
November 24, 2024
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Update: More Simulated Games Needed Before Rehab Assignment

August 21, 2024
August 21, 2024

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어