In a surprising move, the Phillies placed second baseman Chase Utley on the disabled list. Despite Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg insisting Utley was healthy as early as yesterday, Utley will miss some time.
Marshall Harris of CSN Philly reported:
The Phillies have placed Chase Utley on the 15-day DL with a right ankle inflammation and recalled Darin Ruf from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
— Marshall Harris (@mharrisCSN) June 24, 2015
Utley had been struggling mightily. Has an injury been what has kept him from finding success at the plate?
Utley to DL. Ankle issues. He says it's been bothering him on and off since spring
— Kevin Cooney (@KevinCooney) June 24, 2015
That could do it. Batting just .179, Utley had the lowest batting average of all regulars in Major League baseball. With 249 plate appearances, Utley needs just 251 to vest a $15 million option for 2015. This stint on the disabled list might help the Phillies avoid another year.
Cesar Hernandez should start at second base for the foreseeable future.
