Kim Klement–USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies only had Chase Utley for 83 games last season. This season he’s been on the field since Day 1.
This 11-year veteran was more than one of the best Phillies from 2005-2009. Number 26 was one of the game’s best players during that time.
It was natural to worry when his numbers began to decline in 2010. He was hardly ancient at 31, yet his declining production naturally led many to speculate that his career was destined to end prematurely.
No one should feel confident that the last sentence in the preceding paragraph still won’t prove true. However, it’s been very encouraging to see steady flashes of the ‘old’ Utley at the plate this year. He currently leads the team in a variety of offensive categories and has appeared in every game that’s been played.
His inability to drive the ball during the past three seasons was linked to a chronic knee condition that he’s apparently now managing quite aptly.
He’s been playing through pain for a few years now. So, he hasn’t simply learned how to manage that variable within his middle-aged body. Utley has found a way to strengthen his lower core. That vital change can be seen in his team-leading .828 OPS mark, home run (7), run (19) and triples (2) totals.
It’s impossible to know if someone who generated one of the best half-decades in franchise history can sustain his regenerated abilities. For now, he’s clearly regained his offensive leadership role on this team.
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