New York Mets infielder Ruben Tejada reveals he hasn’t spoken to Chase Utley since the slide that broke his leg in the 2015 NLDS.
If there’s one thing people remember about the 2015 National League Division Series (besides the New York Mets advancing), it’s the infamous Chase Utley slide.
In Game 2, with the Dodgers down 2-1, the then-Los Angeles second baseman slid way off the bag into Mets infielder Ruben Tejada on a potential double-play ball, breaking Tejada’s leg. A run scored to tie the game, and interference was never called on Utley.
It was an extremely dirty play, as hatred for Utley still sticks with Mets fans. And to this day, almost four years later, Tejada hasn’t spoken to Utley at all.
Ruben Tejada says it took him about a year and a half to fully recover from the Chase Utley slide in the 2015 NLDS. He hasn't talked to Utley since that day. pic.twitter.com/bcGpCfLlNQ
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 14, 2019
Tejada ultimately said that “it takes a lot to take it out of my mind.”
It’s understandable that Tejada hasn’t spoken to Utley. It was an uncalled-for move by Utley.
It should be noted that Utley was initially suspended for the slide, but he won his appeal and missed no games. However, the play prompted the MLB to change the rules for sliding into second base to protect fielders.
Tejada, who was previously with Triple-A Syracuse, just had his contract selected by the Mets this week. This coincides with New York placing right fielder Jeff McNeil on the 10-day injured list with a mild hamstring strain.
Tejada was put into the lineup Wednesday night for the Mets’ matchup against the Braves in Atlanta. He will bat seventh and play second base, as the Mets try to come back from a current two-game win streak.
Entering Wednesday, the Mets were sporting a 61-58 record, sitting 2.0 games back in the National League Wild Card standings.
