Chase Utley led off for the Phillies tonight and Milwaukee and is in the game as we speak. But, the buzz around a potential Chase Utley trade continues to keep going. One surprise playoff contender may also be a surprise candidate for Utley's services.
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports:
Hearing credible buzz tonight about Astros being in Utley chase. Could get time 1B, DH. 6 teams apparently in: Cubs, SF, NYY, 2 LA
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) August 15, 2015
The other teams have been reported before.
The Astros would be an unconventional fit. The Astros already have an All-Star second baseman in Jose Altuve. At first base and designated hitter there could be plenty of opportunities. At first base the Astros have relied on Chris Carter (.200 average), Luis Valebuena (.176 average) and even Marwin Gonzalez, who is a natural shortstop.
Former Phillies prospect Jonathan Singleton, a first baseman, has yet to prove he belongs in the majors, despite a 44-at bat opportunity in which he batted .205 with one home run. Singleton is the only former Phillies prospect who remains in the Astros organization from the Hunter Pence trade in 2011.
At designated hitter is former Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis. But Gattis is also batting much like the collection of first baseman. Gattis is batting just .200. Because Utley is a left-handed hitter and Gattis is a right-handed hitter, the Astros could mix and match Utley between designated hitter and first base, depending on the match up.
