With Howie Kendrick on the disabled list due to a hamstring strain, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Chase Utley to help serve as a stopgap in Kendrick’s absence.
Utley cleared waivers and waived his no-trade clause to accept being dealt to the Dodgers on Aug. 19.
While he was a serviceable starter at second base, the veteran largely struggled at the plate in his 37 games with the Dodgers.
Once Kendrick was reinstated from the DL, Utley occasionally spelled Justin Turner at third, but otherwise was used in a role off the bench.
After declining their club option in November, the Dodgers officially re-signed Utley to a one-year deal on Wednesday, worth a reported $7 million. Los Angeles doesn’t appear likely to re-sign Kendrick and in essence have a question mark at second base.
According to ESPN’s Mark Saxon, the soon-to-be 37-year-old Utley is preparing to play a significant role for the Dodgers in 2016:
“I spend a lot of time during this part of the year to prepare myself to play as many games as possible,” Utley said. “That would be the goal in my preparation. Again we’ll see what happens, but I’d like to play as much as possible.”
Part of that is tied to Utley’s desire and confidence in his abilities, evident by his comments, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I still enjoy playing baseball, and I feel like I bring some things to the table to help a ballclub,” he said. “I will sit with Dave and chat and see where it goes.”
If the Dodgers aren’t to address their need at second base, Kiké Hernandez and Jose Peraza are to be the internal options considered. The left-handed hitting Utley conceivably could serve as part of a platoon with one of the aforementioned players.
Another factor to consider regarding Utley’s playing time is the health of Turner. He underwent offseason microfracture knee surgery and is someone the Dodgers were mindful to provide ample rest for throughout last season.
