Chase Utley may not be the hitter that he once was. But the Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman still knows how to get on base. Utley was hit by a pitch in the second inning of Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres. It was a milestone, of sorts.
Congratulations to Chase Utley, who has now been hit by a pitch 200 times in his career.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) April 18, 2018
While the game wasn’t stopped to honor the milestone, the ball was saved.
Best part about Chase Utley getting hit for the 200th time is he immediately pointed to get the ball and Yasmani Grandal did too. pic.twitter.com/EMBaqCDG7Q
— Ryan Walton (@RyanCPWalton) April 18, 2018
Utley is eighth on the all-time list. He’s now 30 HBP shy of Dan McGann and 87 shy of career leader, Hughie Jennings.
This may seem like an ominous milestone. But in reality, the primary job of a hitter is to reach base. Utley has demonstrated a proficiency for doing that. It’s also worth noting that Jennings and Craig Biggio (who ranks second on the all-time list) are in the Hall of Fame. Utley is all but assured of the same fate.