Chase Utley is swinging a hot bat since coming off the disabled list, going 13 for 26 with five doubles, a homer and seven RBIs in seven games.
His name has been brought up often in trade rumors, but Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told the 94 WIP Morning Show on Tuesday that Utley is unlikely to be traded this season.
“As I told you before, it is very likely he’ll be here in Philadelphia through the end of the year and then we’ll see what happens after that,” Amaro said on the radio show.
Trade speculation has swirled around Utley for much of the season and reports indicate that the All-Star second baseman has cleared waivers and could be traded at any time. The teams most interested in his services appear to be the Angels, Giants, Cubs, Yankees and possibly the Dodgers.
Making matters more intriguing, Utley was born and raised in Southern California, attended college at UCLA and makes his off-season home in San Francisco.
Because of his 10-and-5 rights, Utley has the authority to veto any trade, and with his contract likely to expire at the end of the season, he may want to ride it out with the Phillies.
For the entire interview with Amaro on WIP, click here.