Chase Utley denied general manager Pat Gillick's claim that the All-Star second baseman has been playing with a hip injury most of the season.
According to Phillies.com, Utley told reporters the following:
"That's a good question, because I don't know anything about that. I understand why you'd ask the question, because I'd ask the same question."
The question was raised after Gillick told reporters that, "(Utley's) having some trouble with his right hip."
Of course, Utley isn't going to admit that he's hurt. He's a gamer and doesn't want to draw attention to himself. But it sure would explain his sub-par season, not including April & May.
Utley began the season on a tear, but is batting .234 since June 3 . He batted .362 with 13 home runs and 26 RBIs through the first 33 games...
Utley's struggles, which include an 0-for-24 slump in June, are a direct result of this alleged injury. It was just too hard to believe Utley's woes were a result of his pure talent and/or mechanics. He's too good of a player to be batting .288 right now. That batting average is very un-Utley-like.
Hopefully, Utley will continue on a solid pace this year without landing on the disabled list. If he's really hurt (and I certainly believe he is) he could need surgery in the offseason.
---
In other news, Phillies fans can rejoice...finally!
Adam Eaton has been optioned to the minor leagues.
Eaton, who started 19 games, accepted the assignment on Monday. It appears the Phillies will re-call J.A. Happ, who's been dominating at the class-AAA level.
Eaton was moved to the bullpen after the Phillies acquired Joe Blanton from the Oakland A's. In two relief appearances, Eaton was typically awful. He allowed back-to-back home runs against the Braves in two innings of work on Sunday.
Here's hoping Adam Eaton will never show his face again. Good riddance.
0 comments:
Post a Comment