Two-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time All-Star, Roy Halladay, took to Twitter Tuesday afternoon to show his support of former Philadelphia Phillies teammate Chase Utley.
Chase Utley plays the game the way it was meant! If Joe Torre knew him he would know he made a mistake! #FreeUtley pic.twitter.com/m0fMAwknRY
— Roy Halladay (@RoyHalladay) October 13, 2015
Sharing a photo of the two at a youth baseball event from March 24, Halladay writes:
"Chase Utley plays the game the way it was meant! If Joe Torre knew him he would know he made a mistake!
#FreeUtley"
Utley, amid controversy for breaking the leg of Mets' starting shortstop Ruben Tejada in game two of the National League Division Series on a late slide, faced extreme backlash from New York fans Monday evening at Citi Field.
Even though the game ended in favor of the Mets, making them just one victory shy of advancing to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2006, Mets fans' anger at Utley continues to have a significant presence on social media.
Halladay's tweet is currently facing similar scrutiny.
@RoyHalladay Add you to my list of players I've lost respect for. He's always been a dirty player.
— Lisa Ng (@LisaAnnNg) October 13, 2015
@RoyHalladay whatever, he has a history of violent, reckless, irresponsible slides and deserves every punishment he gets
— Chris (@r3mnar) October 13, 2015
@RoyHalladay don't be that person. #BlindFriend Your loyalty is admirable but don't be naive.
— YA GOTTA BELIEVE!!! (@I_Hate_Wilpon) October 13, 2015
Game 4 is scheduled for tonight at 8:07 p.m. EST. It will be televised on TBS.
Three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 National League Most Valuable Player, southpaw Clayton Kershaw, will start on short rest for the Los Angeles Dodgers in opposition of rookie LHP Steven Matz.
It was announced today that Utley's two-game suspension appeal will be heard on Monday, Oct. 19. The Dodgers, of course, would be eliminated from the postseason before the appeal hearing would take place if they do not win the final two games of the series.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
