Last night's AA matchup of the Reading Fightin' Phils and the Trenton Thunder was the Phillies organization's first opportunity to look at two of the new prospects acquired in exchange for Cole Hamels last week. Jake Thompson pitched a game and outfielder Nick Williams had two hits for the Fightin' Phils. Playing along side Thompson and Williams was the rehabbing Chase Utley, who looks good.
Utley stayed in the game through four at bats. Utley had one single to his credit, along with two runs scored (the second after reaching base on a fielder's choice). On the basepaths, Utley looked like his nimble, hustling usual self.
In the field, Utley was put to work right away. All three outs in the 1-2-3 first inning were hit to Utley. Three putouts later, Thompson pitched an easy first inning. But the stellar glove work continued throughout the game. Watching Chase Utley turn double plays with top prospect J.P. Crawford was surreal, but at the same time looked smooth.
Utley departed the game after his fourth at bat, as Brodie Greene replaced him at second base.
After the game, Utley told reporters, including Corey Seidman of CSN Philly, that the plan was to play Wednesday and then the Phillies could possibly activate Utley:
"I plan on coming back here tomorrow and playing a majority of the game, get some more at-bats under my belt, and we'll make a decision after that," Utley said. "No restrictions."
Utley also remarked that he would like to get to see Jimmy Rollins before the Dodgers depart Philadelphia on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Phillies will have a bit of a roster crunch. Cesar Hernandez, who has worked himself up to being the Phillies' leadoff hitter, also plays second base. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin told Bill Evans of NJ.com what the plan would be upon Utley's return:
"I had a conversation with Cesar letting him know he's not a utility player, but I might do that to get Chase at-bats because it's important for us to get Chase at-bats," said Mackanin. "I'll find a game to play him at first base and give Howie a day off. I can't play him every day, but hopefully I can get him in three or four days a week. We'll see how it plays out."
Hernandez could also spell Freddy Galvis at shortstop. Hernandez has 22 games experience in center field, should the Phillies wish to give Odubel Herrera a day off. The Phillies did state once that Hernandez was done as an outfielder; however, the same statement was made about Darin Ruf, who has appeared in 17 games in the outfield this season.
Utley's Phillies career likely will come to an end in 2015. Utley will either finish the season with the Phillies and become a free agent, or the Phillies will find a trade partner prior to the August 31 waiver trade deadline. Once Utley clears waivers, the Phillies will be able to make a deal. The money due to Utley makes him a candidate to clear waivers. If Utley is claimed, the Phillies could work out a deal with the claiming team, or pull Utley back and retain him for the rest of the season.
