It did not seem Chase Utley had any ill intent. Mets’ Ruben Tejada getting hurt was an unfortunate by product of the play.
Second baseman Chase Utley can honestly say he that he didn’t mean to injure Mets’ Ruben Tejada. What he did mean and is pretty clear from the video is that he did indeed intend to take out the 25-year-old shortstop Tejada. Utley was trying to breakup a double play but he ended up fracturing Tejada’s right fibula instead. He should have been ejected from the game for targeting like they do in football. The slide was more than controversial it should be used as a teachable incident to help kids learn to play right. It should be used as a case study to force the Major League Baseball to update their rules. Which will not happen this post season but maybe in the off-season.
Joe Torre, the league’s chief officer said he would review the play again. He could if it’s warranted discipline Chase Utley for his dirty play.
“Obviously, it happened fast. I didn’t realize his back was turned. There was no intent to hurt Ruben whatsoever.”~ Chase Utley