Chase Utley has struggled this season with just nine hits in 87 at-bats. He's also gone without a hit in 18 of 28 games. That's why Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg gave Utley a "mental break" Tuesday, and took his name out of the lineup card.
Utley ranks last in batting average among the 183 hitters who qualify. The 36-year-old is struggling, and Sandberg believes a short break can get him back on track.
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“There’s something to that,” Sandberg said, via CSN Philly. “Sometimes you can take a break and get away from mental grind and the mental work he puts into his daily routine.
“I feel for the guy because of everything he puts into it. He just hasn’t had any luck. I told him to take a little break. Other than that, it’s tough to talk mechanics or anything like that because he’s hitting line drives and putting balls in play.”
Sandberg also said he's "leaning" toward giving Utley the night off Wednesday as well. The Phillies are off Thursday, so that would provide a three-day break for the second baseman.