Dodgers Acquire Chase Utley Veteran Second Baseman

Saying it was time, Chase Utley the veteran second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies prepared to leave the clubhouse after he was traded on Wednesday to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two players in the minor leagues.

The Phillies are also sending $4 million to the Dodgers to offset the remaining $6 million on Utley’s salary of $15 million.

The Dodgers are sending Darnell Sweeney a utility player and John Richy a pitcher to the Phillies.

Los Angeles designated Alberto Callaspo a third baseman for assignment to make room for Utley.

Utley, who was raised in Long Beach, had complete no-trade protection and had expressed he would like to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During various times Utley has been linked to the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels.

Utley will be teamed up again with his long-time partner in double plays Jimmy Rollins who was traded to Los Angeles by the Phillies in December. Rollins said he has spoken to Utley as the trade rumors swirled for the past couple of weeks.

Utley is 36 and only batting .217 this season. However, since recovering from an ankle injury he has 15 hits in 31 at bats. He did not start on Wednesday night for Philly in their win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Farhan Zaidi the general manager for the Dodgers said he spoke to Howie Kendrick the starting second baseman  who is currently on the DL to assure him the second base jobs was his when he is injury free.

Kendrick could take three weeks to recover and his GM said that was a long time during a heated pennant race.

For months, the Dodgers have wanted to acquire Utley. He has played first base at times so he could fill a much needed utility role as well when Kendrick finally returns.

Utley will likely be in uniform on Friday when the Dodgers play in Houston. His presence will allow Los Angeles to play Enrique Hernandez in center field so Joc Pederson can rest. The rookie is 5 for 51 with 22 strikeouts over his past 11 games.

The Dodgers hold a two-game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the NL West but lost Wednesday to Oakland 5-2. They will play a three-game series with Houston the AL West leaders.

Utley said the trade has not set in completely, but time will tell. He said that both he and the rest of his family were comfortable with the decision they made.