The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Friday morning that 39-year-old Chase Utley would be holding a press conference at Dodger Stadium in the afternoon.
Many speculated that this meant that Utley is announcing his retirement as he has struggled at the plate a bit this season, hitting .231/.313/.331 with one home run and 14 RBI through 57 games. He also spent time on the 10-day disabled list.
It appears that the announcement does have to do with his retirement, although it won’t be effective immediately. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the plan is for Utley to hang up his cleats at the conclusion of the 2018 season:
I have been told plan with Utley is to announce he is retiring effective at the end of this season (he has a contract for next year).