Chase Utley is leaving the only team for which he’s played in his 13-year MLB career, but there’s plenty of familiarity waiting for him at his new destination. The second baseman was traded Wednesday from the Phillies to the Dodgers, reuniting him with his longtime double-play partner, shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
In addition, Utley is a native of the Los Angeles area, having grown up in Pasadena and played college ball at UCLA. The 36-year-old was acquired in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers and cash.
“I think it’d be a lot of fun,” Rollins told ESPN. “One, that was his team. He went to school over at UCLA, plays well over at Dodger Stadium. Actually, beats up the Dodgers wearing a Phillies uniform. If everything goes through and he’s here, it’d be nice to see him playing some home games there at a place he’s comfortable hitting.”Utley & Rollins reunite. They had 60+ XBH & 15+ SB each in three seasons (05, 06, & 09). Every other 2B/SS duo in history has one combined.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) August 19, 2015Phillies reportedly agree to send Chase Utley to LAD. Only position player in PHI history w/ more WAR than Utley (61.7)-Mike Schmidt (106.5)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 19, 2015The Phillies are mired in last place and had already dealt away pitching ace Cole Hamels, so the trade made sense for them, even though General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. had said on Tuesday that Utley was “likely” to be “in Philadelphia through the end of the year.” For his part, Utley had a no-trade clause, but he clearly was willing to waive it in order to join a first-place National League team in his home town.
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The Dodgers recently lost their regular second baseman, Howie Kendrick, for several weeks to a hamstring injury. Utley is batting just .217 with one home run, 30 RBI and a .617 OPS, but he has been hot at the plate in recent games.
Utley is likely to be a free agent after this season, given that his contract includes a club option for $11 million in 2016. He is a six-time all-star and a four-time winner of the Silver Slugger award, most recently in 2009.
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