Chase Utley is back from the disabled list and is most likely the next player to go in the Phillies rebuild. The second baseman and six-time All-Star has been scouted by the Giants, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. Outlay has gone 4-for-10 in his first three games back. The Cubs, Angels and Yankees have all been rumored to be interested in the veteran.
San Francisco’s current second baseman Joe Panik is on the disabled list with a back injury and is eligible to return next week.
Salisbury reports that “the Giants had a scout in San Diego for the entire Phillies series and sources tell CSNPhilly.com that the scout was indeed keeping tabs on Utley.”
Utley would provide the Giants with infield depth and leadership as the team makes another run at the playoffs. The former silver slugger award winner is hiring .189/.263/.294 with four homers and 27 RBIs this season.
Utley is owed around $2.25 million for the rest of this season, and he has a $15 million vesting option for 2016 if he receives 500 plate appearances this year. He has 259 as of today and it’s a safe bet to say he won’t reach that mark. The option for Utley will be between $5 million and $11 million with less than 500 plate appearances. His contract also features a $2 million buyout.
