Chase Utley suspended by MLB for Games 3 and 4 of NLDS for ‘illegal’ slide

Maybe we won’t have to wonder whether the New York Mets will retaliate after Chase Utley leg-breaking slide Saturday night in Game 2 of the NLDS. That’s because Major League Baseball announced Sunday night that Utley has been suspened two games, meaning he’d be sidelined for Monday’s Game 3 and Tuesday’s Game 4.

Utley has the right to appeal — and will do so, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal — so add another layer of drama to this already divisive story. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that MLB is trying to get the appeal done in time for Game 3.

Until then, we know where MLB sides in the matter of Utley’s slide being dirty or not. They’ve deemed it illegal and Joe Torre, the league’s Chief Baseball Officer, wrote that it “warrants discipline.” Here’s Torre’s full statement on the matter.

LAD INF Utley has been suspended for Games 3 & 4 of NLDS as a result of his illegal slide in the 7th inning on Sat. pic.twitter.com/ktAjmXWFaR

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 12, 2015

As for Utley? Well this camp is not pleased:

Chase Utley’s agent Joel Wolfe: “A two-game suspension for a legal baseball play is outrageous and completely unacceptable.” He will appeal.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 12, 2015

Meanwhile, the Mets released a statement that was — surprise, surprise — in support of the ruling.

#Mets‘ statement on suspension of Chase Utley … pic.twitter.com/Ojvzq2wyCQ

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) October 12, 2015

While it’s certainly not an official Dodgers statement on the matter, it’s pretty clear that L.A.’s Game 3 starter Brett Anderson isn’t a fan of the ruling.

What a joke…

— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) October 12, 2015

Prior to Sunday night’s ruling, both teams were still talking about the controversial Game 2 ending. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly added fuel to the fire by saying New Yorkers wouldn’t care if David Wright had made a similar slide. And Mets’ Game 3 starter Matt Harvey said he’d pitch inside if he needed to — to Utley or anyone else in the Dodgers’ lineup.

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