Late Tuesday night, the Phillies announced that they placed second baseman Chase Utley on the disabled list after a season of struggling with a right ankle injury. The news is frustrating for Utley for the obvious reasons, but the DL trip could also impact his future beyond this season. As Todd Zolecki of MLB.com notes, Utley has a $15MM option for 2016 that automatically vests if he reaches 500 plate appearances. It’s quite possible that Utley’s time away from the field could keep him from reaching that plateau.
As of today, the 36-year-old has 249 PAs through the first 73 games of the season. The 15-day DL stint alone won’t rule out 500 plate appearances, of course, but any missed time beyond that will make it even more challenging. As it stands, Utley isn’t sure exactly how long he’s going to need in order to heal up.
“Talking to the doctor today, the more time I can lay off it the better chance it has to heal properly,” Utley said. “I don’t have an exact time frame. It will be at least 15 days.”
On the plus side, Utley says that his knees – which have been an issue in the past – are healthy. Through roughly three months of the season, Utley hasn’t been looking like the six-time All-Star that he is. The veteran owns a slash line of .179/.257/.275, which would easily stand as his career worst if the season ended today. Utley’s name popped up on MLBTR more than once this season as a trade possibility, but he won’t garner much interest this summer with the way he has been hitting and his ankle issue.
In other Phillies news, we learned earlier today that the Yankees are not ruling out a pursuit of ace Cole Hamels.
Look, someone who wouldn’t be an upgrade over Stephen Drew. Well, him and the current starting AL All-Star 2b…
Papelbon & Giles to Oakland for Matt Olson & Drew Pomeranz, RAJ should take it but won’t, correct?
No and No…..why would the Phillies even consider that. Giles who is 24 with 2 seasons of 1.39 ERA and is the heir apparent to Paps for a 26 yr old who had a decent year last year but is back to 4+ era again. Paps for a AA prospect who is just a tad over the Mendoza line. SMH
“The heir apparent”…on a team that won’t be contending until he’s a FA. SMH.
So in your opinion a team that doesn’t contend does not need a closer and should just give away for any throw in prospect? A team that is rebuilding and needs young controllable talent. Trading away such talent makes no sense whatsoever especially for the caliber of players suggested.
Its not a terrible trade. Relievers are not that important for non contending teams who are probably 2-3 years out at least. Thats too much for just pap but probably just a little to little for both.
If Utley has been hurt why have they been playing him? I heard the injury occurred back in January.
He has a ridiculously long history of playing hurt and why he continues to do that and why the Phillies allow it I have no idea. I realize that the Phillies have not had much of a option at 2B but it does not help to have your starting second baseman playing hurt time after time.
He’s a gamer, that’s for sure. It’s a great quality to have in a player when he’s able to grind it out contributing to a world series ring….but its a total burden when he’s grinding his way to a buck ninety and an automatic 15m trigger.
Man….I don’t like how these franchise type players end their careers some times. If ya can’t do it…walk away.
I’d venture to say, most of these “franchise type players” struggle to walk away from what is most likely, the only thing they’ve ever known professionally.
A life outside of the one thing they excelled at, is probably quite scary for some of these guys.
And a shot at another 15mil is nice.
Just like a boxer who thinks they can carry the strap one more time, there is always hope..
Oh for sure…its just tough to watch. I don’t begrudge a guy from wanting to continue to play the game…but I certainly don’t begrudge a team either from not letting the player cripple them financially. .190 means you’re not getting it done well enough to be in the league. I’m guessing his option doesn’t vest and he comes back to Philly next season on a lower vet scale.
I have no problem with any player that is a gamer…until they start letting injuries diminish their productivity to the point of ridiculousness. That is not doing the player any good or the team. As much as I like Ute he has a tendency to do this. When he had knee issues before he downplayed them and it appears that he is on the same with his ankle issue.
I’m just not sure how he downplays them. He’s in a clubhouse with a professional medical staff, and ultimately Ryno is filling out the card every night.
Players always play a little hurt during the season. He assumed it wasn’t a big deal and didn’t tell the Phillies otherwise.
Hopefully the option doesn’t vest and another bad contract is off the books.