Chase Utley (left) has looked great so far in 2014. (Howard SportSmith-USA TODAY)
PHILADELPHIA — Chase Utley played 103 games in 2011 and 83 in 2012 because of chronic knee issues.
Last season, he racked up his most home runs (18), RBIs (69), extra-base hits (49) and total bases (226) since 2009.
This season, he’s looking even better. After going 3-for-4 with a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning of the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-3 win over the Miami Marlins on Sunday, Utley is leading baseball in batting average (.500, 20- for-40) and on-base plus slugging percentage (1.440).
So, Utley, how’s your health?
“I don’t know,” he said after the Phillies’ third straight victory. “I’ve had some decent days.
I feel OK.”
Utley has started the season on a 10-game hitting streak, the longest by a Phillie since Pat Burrell in 2005 (also 10 games). It’s early, but the 35-year-old looks like his old self.
“I think having success brings confidence,” Utley said. “Once you’re confident, I think you’re a better hitter.”
