Is Chase Utley’s future unexpectedly right before him?
Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley makes a throw over Arizona’s Jake Lamb to complete a double play at Dodger Stadium on Sept 23.
Chase Utley has been with the Dodgers for only 25 games, hardly enough time to draw some grand conclusion about his future after his 13 years in the major leagues.
If he has not hit as well as expected (.212) since acquired by the Dodgers, he has brought a hard-nosed style, a veteran’s presence and a somewhat unexpected versatility.
Although a career second baseman, the position he’s mostly played while Howie Kendrick was out with his sore hamstring, he also played first and made his debut a third. He has batted first, second, fourth and sixth in the lineup.
“Chase is a baseball player,” said Manager Don Mattingly. “I think we really make too much out of movement in the order. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal for guys who just play. It ends up being a crutch for guys who say, `I can’t hit third or second or first.’ You just hit.”
Utley hit leadoff Wednesday night and hit a solo homer in the first and doubled in the winning run in the eighth. To Utley, whatever position on the field or spot in the lineup, it’s all just baseball.
“That’s the best way to look at it,” Utley said. “Try to have good at-bats no matter where you are in the lineup.”
Time, however, is not on the veteran’s side. Utley will be 37 in December and he is easily having the worst season of his career (.212/.287/.337).
Mattingly suggested that Utley’s future could be in a utility role.
“Looking at a guy in his career at this point, the things he can do like that -- if he wants to continue to play and kinda be that role, there are a lot of at-bats there where he gets rest,” Mattingly said. “Not a seven-day-a-week guy, [but] where he ends up four days a week and being very valuable. If that’s something he wants to do, that’s all we can ask.”
It’s difficult for a professional athlete who’s enjoyed a highly successful career to suddenly reconcile himself to a role as a utility player. And as much as he appears comfortable in his new role, Utley may not be there yet.
“I’m fine,” he said. “I’d like to be in the lineup anywhere.”
What he is certain about is that he’s back in a playoff hunt. He’s played in three National League Championship Series and two World Series with the Phillies, but none since 2011.
“I almost forgot what it’s like to be in this type of atmosphere,” Utley said. “It’s definitely refreshing, it’s fun and it’s going to be exciting.”
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