Dodgers sign Utley to 2-year deal
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Saturday that they have re-signed veteran infielder Chase Utley to a two-year contract.
The move was expected to happen since the start of camp in Glendale, Ariz., where media members noticed all of Utley's gear in his locker but no nameplate listed above. Utley spent the majority of the offseason working out at Dodger Stadium.
Utley, 39, will return for his third full season with the Dodgers after playing his first 12-plus years with the Philadelphia Phillies. He hit .236 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 309 at-bats last season. He is 150 hits shy of 2,000 for his career.
The Dodgers' starting infield appears to be set with Cody Bellinger at first base, Logan Forsythe at second base, Corey Seager at shortstop and Justin Turner at third base. But Utley can spell Bellinger and Forsythe while also providing veteran leadership.
"He's obviously had a huge impact these two years on our clubhouse," Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi told the team's official website during the offseason. "We do have young players looking for more at-bats, particularly at second base with a multitude of options, as far as a baseball fit. But if we can get together on a role and what the opportunity looks like, his impact in the clubhouse is something we'd love to have."
Terms of the deal were not announced.
--Field Level Media
