Thursday, August 08, 2013

Phils, Utley make extension official

The Philadelphia Phillies and veteran second baseman Chase Utley officially agreed to terms on a contract extension through the 2015 season.

No financial terms were revealed, but the new pact includes three vesting/club options.

"Chase epitomizes everything we expect our Phillies to be," said Phils general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. "As we've said before, we see Chase as a true Phillie for life. This contract moves us toward that end. We couldn't be more pleased."

According to an MLB.com report from Wednesday, the club had been discussing an extension with the fan-favorite second baseman for several weeks. Amaro frequently stated that he envisioned Utley as a "Phillie for life."

Entering Thursday's series finale with the Chicago Cubs, Utley is hitting .277 with 15 home runs, 16 doubles and 43 RBI in 84 games.

The 34-year-old southern California native has appeared in just 386 games since 2010, but was a cornerstone piece of the Phillies' run in back-to- back World Series appearances in 2008 and 2009.

Utley holds the record for most home runs in World Series history by second baseman with seven and tied Reggie Jackson's record for homers in a single Fall Classic with five in 2009 against the Yankees.

Over 1,276 career games, Utley is batting .287 with 214 home runs and 782 RBI.
08/08 16:12:38 ET

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