During his long career with the Phillies, Chase Utley was known for playing the game hard. But in last night's National League Division Series game two, Utley made a hard slide into second baseman Ruben Tejada, which has sparked much debate. Utley said that he was sorry that the outcome what it was, but Major League Baseball is taking action.
Major League Baseball released the following statement:
LAD INF Utley has been suspended for Games 3 & 4 of NLDS as a result of his illegal slide in the 7th inning on Sat. pic.twitter.com/ktAjmXWFaR
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 12, 2015
Games three and four will take place as the series is tied 1-1.
Utley has not been starting for the Dodgers, but has been serving as the team's first pinch-hitter off the bench. Utley would be available once again for game five. Almost ironically, this means that Utley will not have to face the Mets in New York, where the fans may be eager to lash out at Utley.
View the controversial play here:
UPDATE: Utley will appeal the ruling, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports:
Utley will appeal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 12, 2015
Appeal by Utley will cite a number of similar slides that did not result in discipline.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 12, 2015
