As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to work toward addressing their roster needs, they officially announced the signing of Chase Utley to a one-year deal on Wednesday.
Utley re-signed with the Dodgers for a reported $7 million. Los Angeles declined their $11 million club option on the veteran infielder for the 2016 season in November.
Utley’s $2 million buyout was paid by the Philadelphia Phillies per terms of the August trade.
He was placed on the disabled in June due to right ankle inflammation and missed a total of 37 games last season. Upon returning from the DL in August, Utley hit .484/.485/.742 (5-for-15) with one home run, five doubles and five RBIs over the next eight games (seven starts).
Utley then waived his full no-trade clause and was dealt to the Dodgers on Aug. 19. In 34 games with Los Angeles he hit .202/.291/.363. All told, Utley hit .212/.286/.343 in 107 games played last season.
He primarily filled in at second base for Howie Kendrick, who at the time of the trade was on the disabled list with a hamstring strain.
However, the 13-year veteran also worked on getting comfortable at third base, where he made three starts for the first time in his Major League career.
Utley faces a two-game suspension for his hard slide in Game 2 of the National League Division Series that broke New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada’s leg. His appeal hearing may not be heard until Spring Training.
The Dodgers now have 39 players on the 40-man roster. The club is expected to soon announce the signing of Hisashi Iwakuma, who reportedly agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract.
