Astros, Angels pursue Chase Utley, according to reports

Arthur Weinstein

Astros, Angels pursue Chase Utley, according to reports image

Add the AL West division rivals Angels and Astros to the list of teams reportedly interested in veteran Phillies second baseman Chase Utley.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that the Angels had two leading scouts at the Phillies game in Milwaukee Friday night.

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Meanwhile, CSNPhilly reported Friday that the Astros had apparently joined the pursuit for the 36-year-old veteran.

That would bring the number of teams reportedly interested in the six-time All-Star to six. Others reportedly interested include the Cubs, Yankees, Giants and Dodgers.

Zolecki reports that the decision is up to Utley, who will reportedly look at factors such as where he would get the most playing time, and which team has the best postseason chances. He labeled the Giants, Cubs and Angels as the front-runners.

Although Utley has career lows this year in every slash-line category (.208/.276/.313), he could bring a solid bat, infield depth and veteran leadership to a pennant contender.

Arthur Weinstein