When the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed veteran infielder Chase Utley to a one-year, $7 million contract during the offseason, it appeared Utley was on track to platoon with Kiké Hernandez at second base.
However, the club later re-signed Howie Kendrick to a two-year deal, and while there was talk of Kendrick playing third base, he figured to return as the primary second baseman. That changed a bit in the weeks that followed, as Kendrick was slowed by a calf strain and began the 2016 season on the disabled list.
Not only has Utley filled in at second base, he’s been the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter in games he’s started. Through 16 such games, Utley is batting .306/.375/.444 with six doubles, two triples, five RBIs and six walks in 80 plate appearances.
That success has led to Utley being named to the list of best new leadoff hitters in 2016 by Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, and one National League executive praising the Dodgers for re-signing the veteran:
“He gives you a great at-bat,” a National League executive said. “He’s a smart hitter and one of the best baserunners I’ve ever seen. I think it was one of the most underrated signings of the winter. The way he’s running the bases, it looks like his knees are in great shape.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained Tuesday what Utley brings to the table as a leadoff hitter. “Competitiveness with every at-bat. He’s getting on base and making things happen with big hits,” Roberts said. “For a guy who is going to get four or five at-bats a night, to set the tone for the offense, he’s done that consistently.”
In swinging a hot bat and due to multiple injuries, Roberts has stuck with Utley at second base and given Kendrick some playing time in left field. The rookie skipper did concede he would need to ease off the gas with Utley once players return from the disabled list.
Utley has been praised by Dodgers third base coach Chris Woodward, A.J. Ellis and Justin Turner, and most recently by Clayton Kershaw, for his professional approach and aggressive style of play.
