We learned yesterday that Phillies second baseman Chase Utley had cleared waivers, which was pretty much expected. The Giants have been regularly linked to Utley, especially since second baseman Joe Panik went onto the disabled list with lower back inflammation. But it appears now that the waiver issue is complete, some momentum is gaining towards a trade.
Jon Morosi of Fox Sports writes:
Sources: #SFGiants and #Phillies in ongoing talks about Chase Utley trade. Stage is advanced enough that prospect names have been discussed.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
Morosi also weighed in on how Utley could be used:
Chase Utley a good fit for #SFGiants roster. Joe Panik may not return until Sept. 1, and even then he may not be ready to play every day.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
Once Panik returns, #SFGiants could go with Utley at 1B, Panik at 2B, and Belt in LF. Belt has 10 starts there this year. (Aoki back now.)
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
The defending World Champions are very much in playoff contention.
Coming into play on Wednesday, the Giants were just 2.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and 3.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second wild card. While the Giants have struggled at times in 2015, adding Utley could help propel them into the playoffs once again. Stay tuned.
