With the memory of Utley breaking Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada’s leg on a dirty slide in the NLDS still fresh, the 37-year-old appeared to set his sights on Padres catcher Derek Norris on opening day.
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Trying to score from first base on a Justin Turner double, Utley bypassed a clear path to the plate and instead seemed to take aim at Norris’ legs. Utley’s attempt at both scoring and taking out Norris were both unsuccessful.
A headfirst slide toward the back of the plate certainly would’ve given Utley a better chance at scoring. With that in mind, one can’t help but question his motives.
MLB enacted a new rule this offseason to prevent this type of play, requiring runners “to make a bona fide attempt to reach and remain on the base” and not change their slide path “for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder." No wonder it’s better known as the “Chase Utley rule.”
