Utley Being Scouted by Giants
According to Jim Salisbury, the San Francisco Giants scouted Chase Utley during this weekend’s series against San Diego. Utley went 4-10, hitting leadoff on both Friday and Saturday, contributing to the Phillies’ sweep of the Padres. Utley has full no-trade rights and is 241 plate appearances away from vesting his $15 million option for 2016. It is very unlikely Utley will reach the 500 plate appearance threshold making him an even more attractive option to teams who may be concerned about his injury history.
In Salisbury’s piece, he notes Utley would consider a trade and Utley would likely waive his no-trade rights to go to San Francisco, stating it is close to his offseason home and because the Giants are a contender. Utley went on the DL on June 24 and was hitting .179 at the time; after his 4-10 in the Padres series, he is now hitting .189. Salisbury mentions the Angels, Cubs, and Yankees may have interest in Utley, as well.
