Utley will retire after the season
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.
“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.
The 2019 season would have been the final year of a $2 million, two-year contract for Utley.
The 39-year-old second baseman made his name with the Philadelphia Phillies, earning five allstar berths and winning four Silver Slugger awards. He helped the team to a World Series title in 2008.
Utley has a .276 career average with 259 home runs. He is renowned for his base-stealing ability, with 153 steals in 175 attempts.
Kluber is ailing: Corey Kluber’s stellar first half ended with a sudden stop.
Cleveland’s ace received an injection in his right knee that will force him to miss the All-Star Game.
The AL Central-leading Indians said the right-hander will need at least one week to recover and he’s not expected to make his next start until July 23 against Pittsburgh.
Kluber has been replaced on the AL roster by Tampa Bay’s Blake Snell.
Chapman’s star won’t shine: New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman won’t pitch in the AllStar Game in order to rest his sore left knee.
Chapman earned his 25th save Thursday against the Cleveland Indians in his first appearance since Saturday, when he was removed from a game in Toronto after facing one batter because of discomfort in the knee.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Chapman is available to pitch in the final three games of the series that ends Sunday. Boone thinks giving him time to rest the knee will be beneficial.