MLB REPORT

UTLEY TO RETIRE AFTER SEASON

2B Chase Utley will retire from baseball at the end of this season, capping a 16-year career that included a World Series championship with Philadelphia and an elder statesman role with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The six-time All-Star said he’s leaving to spend more time with his wife and two young sons.

“I’m ready to be a full-time dad,” he said.

Utley announced his decision at a jammed news conference in the bowels of Dodger Stadium on Friday, with several of his teammates surprising him by crowding into the small, steamy room. The 2019 season would have been the final year of a $2 million, two-year contract for Utley, 39.

Utley made his name with the Phillies, earning five AllStar berths and winning four Silver Slugger awards. He helped the team to a World Series title in 2008, combining with shortstop Jimmy Rollins as a standout double-play duo.

Utley has a .276 career average with 259 home runs. He is renowned for his base-stealing ability, with 153 steals in 175 attempts.

The Phillies traded Utley to the Dodgers in August 2015, and he transitioned into a role he described as a “part-time player.”

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Ace Corey Kluber received an injection in his right knee that will force him to miss the All-Star Game. The two-time Cy Young winner got the shot Friday, a day after he was beaten by the New York Yankees. The team said he will need at least one week to recover from the injection and will not make his next start until July 23 against Pittsburgh.

COLORADO ROCKIES

RHP Jon Gray is set to return from Class AAA and start for Colorado against Seattle on Saturday. Gray was expected to be the Rockies' ace, but he's been hit hard this season, going 7-7 with a 5.77 ERA before being demoted to work on mechanics and clear his head at Albuquerque.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

1B/DH Albert Pujols was placed on the disabled list with a knee injury. He’s expected to be able to return to the lineup after the All-Star break.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

RHP Aaron Nola (12-2, 2.27) will make his last start before possibly starting next week's All-Star Game when Philadelphia faces Miami. Nola ranks third in the NL in ERA, and the timing of his start Saturday could make him the best option for NL manager Dave Roberts in next Tuesday's All-Star showdown. It will be Nola's first All-Star appearance.