Cesar Hernandez has done a great job since taking over the full-time job at second base. He's hitting .278 this season with 14 doubles, 24 RBI's and 40 runs scored. Meanwhile, veteran second baseman Chase Utley, still on the mend from an ankle injury, hit .179 before getting hurt, making it easy for fans to get excited about the play of Hernandez. Don't get to comfortable though, because with teams expressing interest in Utley, as we go into the waiver trade period, most notably the Cubs, the 36-year-old will play with the Phillies hoping to get some value for him.
Utley, having not played since June 22nd, went on the disabled list rather surprisingly shortly before Ryne Sandberg's departure. The former Phillies manager was unaware of Chase's ailments, further showing the disconnect between Sandberg and his veteran guys. On Sunday afternoon, Utley took part in his first rehab start as the Ironpigs designated hitter.
Lehigh Valley was shutout 4-0, but Utley went 2-for-3 with a walk in his first action since being sidelined. Jesse Biddle, starting in his fifth game at the Triple-A level, took the loss, allowing four runs on eight hits over six innings of work. As for Utley's schedule, Delaware Online's Meghan Montemurro reports that Chase will make two more minor league starts before being evaluated by doctors. Utley also spoke to the media after the game, saying his mind isn't on getting traded, but rather getting healthy and back to the big leagues.
Mackanin said Utley with play with Double-A Reading Tuesday and Wednesday in Trenton and then will be reevaluated. #Phillies
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) August 2, 2015
Utley on trade rumors: “Obviously I have friends that send me stuff … but my whole goal is to get healthy & get back to the big leagues.”
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) August 2, 2015
Despite the success that Cesar Hernandez has seen, hitting .348 over the last seven days, trying to get Utley going to find some value for him makes sense for the Phillies. Hernandez could see some time at short when Utley returns, but that remains to be seen with Freddy Galvis continuing to show spectacular defense at that spot.
Check out some pics of Utley today from our pal Steven Kiebach:
Pics of Chase Utley rehabbing with #ironpigs today. Good day at plate 2-3, BB. What an amazing & dedicated athlete! pic.twitter.com/3KrIpMFjWa
— Steven Kiebach (@StevenKiebach11) August 2, 2015
