NEW YORK — Dodgers infielder Chase Utley will not have his appeal heard until October 19, clearing him to play for at least the remainder of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets.
Major League Baseball suspended Utley for two games following his slide in Game 2 that fractured the right leg of Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada. He immediately appealed the suspension and is allowed to play until the appeal is heard.
Utley was booed heavily during pregame introductions before Game 3 on Monday, and was followed by disparaging chants from the sold-out crowd at Citi Field despite never appearing in the game. Through a team spokesperson, Utley did not grant interviews after the game.
Despite expressing concern for Utley’s security, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he considered Utley available to play in the game.