UTLEY WILL RETIRE AFTER THIS SEASON

» Chase Utley LOS ANGELES 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 elderstatesman 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.

Utley, 39, announced his decision at a jammed news conference in the basement of Dodger Stadium on Friday, with several of his teammates surprising him by crowding into the small, steamy room.

“I just want you guys to know that I’ve signed a five-year extension,” Utley deadpanned, drawing laughter from manager Dave Roberts, Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner, Alex Wood, Andrew Toles, Joc Pederson, Logan Forsythe and Ross Stripling.

Utley has tried to avoid the kind of attention he got Friday for most of his career. He’s always preferred to let his play on the field speak for him, although among his teammates he is generous with his knowledge of the game. They in turn marvel at his physical condition.

The 2019 season would have been the final year of a $2 million, two-year contract for Utley.

“I’m no spring chicken. My hair is going gray. There’s a lot of things letting me know it’s time,” Utley said.

Pujols heads to DL.

LOS ANGELES» Albert Pujols will spend the all-star break on the disabled list with left knee inflammation, a move that lets the Los Angeles Angels rest their slugger without him missing too many games.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Friday that Pujols had an injection in his knee.

“He’s been playing with it banged up for a while and he’s looking very productive,” Scioscia said. “This is trying to get him to a higher level and maybe make him more comfortable.”

Pujols tied Ken Griffey Jr. on the career home run list with his 630th blast on Thursday. Pujols is hitting .252 this year, with 16 homers and 52 RBIs.