Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Chase Utley from Philadelphia Phillies
The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired second baseman Chase Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers, INF/OF Darnell Sweeney and RHP John Richy. The Phils will also cover $4 million of the approximately $6 million remaining on Utley’s contract for this season.
The trade comes barely more than a day after Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., and team president Pat Gillick said that Utley was likely to finish the year with the club. Many speculated that Utley was unwilling to approve a deal or that Philadelphia was holding out for a better offer. Whatever the explanation, the long-anticipated move is finally complete.
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Utley will join a contender in his native Southern California, qualities that were reportedly at the top of his wish list for potential new homes. He will also reunite with another former Phillies icon in shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who was traded to Los Angeles last December. Fans in Philadelphia will likely feel a bit strange seeing those two standing side by side in the infield once again wearing blue uniforms.
The Dodgers had been linked to Utley throughout the trade process, but their interest and need were typically thought to be less intense than those of other suitors, namely the division rival San Francisco Giants. L.A.’s regular second baseman Howie Kendrick was placed on the disabled list on August 10 with a strained hamstring, an injury thought to sideline him for at least two weeks. Utley will hold the fort at second in the meantime and offers the Dodgers insurance in case Kendrick cannot return as soon as originally forecasted.
Utley had supposedly wanted assurances of regular playing time as a condition to waive his 10/5 no-trade rights, but he may have to compromise a bit on that desire down the stretch. If he keeps swinging the bat well (15-for-31 since being activated from the DL on August 7), L.A. will likely find ways of getting him into the lineup.
Though it will pain the Phillies to let go of such a beloved figure, the trade brings them two prospects who could help in the franchise’s rebuilding process. Philadelphia announced that Darnell Sweeney will be promoted to the major league roster immediately to take Utley’s spot. The 24-year-old has experience in the outfield and middle infield and was hitting .271 with nine home runs, 49 RBI and 32 stolen bases at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Phils also receive 23-year-old right-handed pitcher John Richy who has posted a 4.20 ERA through 124.1 innings in Class A – Advanced ball.
The deal seems to appeal to each team’s best interest, but for its central player the situation is a lot simpler. After a series of very disappointing years in Philadelphia, the 36-year-old Utley will get a chance to return to the postseason for the first time since 2011. The Dodgers, who currently hold a two-game edge on the Giants in the NL West, will hope that their new member’s veteran presence and hard-nosed style will help them on their way.