According to multiple reports Monday morning, Chase Utley‘s appeal of his 2-game suspension will not be heard prior to Game 3 of the National League Division Series. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time tonight.
Since Major League Baseball is believed to be seeking an expedited appeal hearing, it stands to reason that Utley’s representatives are pushing for more time. Joe Torre, MLB’s chief baseball officer, announced the suspension Sunday.
Utley is allowed to play while he is appealing the suspension. The appeal will be heard by John McHale, MLB’s Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, Administration.
Utley probably won’t start Game 3. Howie Kendrick and Justin Turner have started the first two games of the series at second and third base, respectively — the top two positions Utley has played in his brief time as a Dodger — and are unlikely to be benched. Turner and Kendrick have four and three hits, respectively, in the first two games of the series, more than any other Dodger hitters.