Dodgers’ Chase Utley out of starting lineup for NLDS Game 3
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley is out of the starting lineup for Game 3 of the NLDS against the New York Mets on Monday night.
Utley, who broke Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada’s right fibula while trying to to break up a double play in the Dodgers’ 5–2 victory over the Mets in Game 2, will sit, while Howie Kendrick will get the start.
Major League Baseball announced it was suspending Utley on Sunday after determining his slide into Tejada in Saturday’s game was illegal. Utley appealed the suspension, and thus, was eligible to play Monday in Game 3, but manager Don Mattingly elected to keep the 36-year-old out of the starting lineup, despite his 6-for-18 lifetime numbers against Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey.
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Before Monday's game, Mets manager Terry Collins told reporters he was “a little surprised” that Utley was not named a starter, but “happy to let him sit over there on the bench for eight innings.” Collins had previously said he had not instructed Harvey to retaliate and throw at Utley, or any other Dodgers, on Monday night.
With the series tied at one game apiece, the first pitch of Game 3 between the Dodgers and Mets is set for 8:37 p.m. ET at Citi Field.
- Kayla Lombardo
