Los Angeles Dodgers' infielder Chase Utley has been suspended for Games 3 and 4 of the Dodgers' National League Division Series against the New York Mets.
In Game 2 at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night, Utley tried to break up a double play, and in the process broke Mets' shortstop Ruben Tejada's leg while taking him out. Instead of touching second base, Utley launched himself at Tejada sending the latter flying into the air.
The suspension came down Sunday evening through MLB Communications and MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre.
"After thoroughly reviewing the play from all conceivable angles, I have concluded that Mr. Utley's action warrants discipline," Torre said in a statement. "While I sincerely believe that Mr. Utley had no intention of injuring Ruben Tejada, and was attempting to help his Club in a critical situation, I believe his slide was in violation of Official Baseball Rule 5.09 (a) (13), which is designed to protect fielders from precisely this type of rolling block that occurs away from the base."
The Mets also issued a statement on the suspension of Utley.
"[The Mets] feel this was the appropriate course of action," the team said. "With this decision behind us, the team and our fans can now focus on playing winning baseball."
Utley has an option to appeal the two game suspension, and he has exercised that option. It is currently unknown; however, when the appeal will be heard and if it is expected that he will be able to play. There is a bit of grey area in this particular rule, so the ruling could be interesting especially if it is overturned.
Through his agent Joel Wolfe, Utley issued a statement saying a suspension for "a legal baseball play is outrageous."
"Chase did what all ball players are taught to do in this situation - break up the double play," the statement read. "We routinely see plays at second base similar to this one that have not warranted suspensions. Chase feels terrible about Ruben Tejada's injury and everyone who knows him knows that he would never intentionally hurt anybody. We will be appealing this suspension immediately."
Through Mets' third baseman David Wright, Utley reached out to Tejada.
There has been much talk since the incident to consider a rule change with take out slides and Torre made a mention to that in the statement the league released.
The Mets will send Matt Harvey to the mound in Game 3 and if you are good at reading in between the lines, could infer that there could be some repercussions coming.
“As far as sticking up for your teammates, I think being out there and doing what’s right is exactly what I’m going to do,” Harvey said to the media.
We shall see what comes out of this situation as this series progresses.