Jayson Stark: a Chase Utley trade is still on the table

Some might look at Chase Utley's numbers in this, his 13th year playing professional baseball, and think his value as a trade asset has plummeted. Even his most impassioned advocates have had to admit over the past few months that he has certainly lost a step, and the .179/.257/.275 slash line with 4 HR, 21 BB, and 32 SO he's put up in 2015 appear to be enough evidence.

That was all before late June, when Utley revealed an ankle issue he had been dealing with that landed him on the disabled list. He is apparently nearing the point of rehab starts in the Phillies farm system, and one report indicated Utley had even fixed his swing, injecting a jarring bit of optimism into the process.

However, Utley has not been listed as a key contributor nor a top trade chip for the Phillies very often in 2015, and he has said he in the past that he would prefer to stay in Philadelphia (which he can do with his 10-5 rights as his trade-trumping card).

But, despite his health issues, low output, and desire to stay, the 36-year-old's progress recovering from his injury was reportedly being 'monitored' by the Angels. According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, a team trading for Utley could still happen.

For Utley to have multiple suitors at this point, as he was only recently cleared for "baseball activities," seems surprising. When he returns to the Phillies' lineup, however, there will apparently be a lot of eyes watching him.