Chase Utley appears headed back to Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers Chase Utley (26) swing and hits the ball during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. Utley reached second on fielder's choice. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Chase Utley appears headed back to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The free-agent infielder’s gloves and cleats were in the Dodgers clubhouse on Tuesday and mail addressed to him was in a dressing stall.

"We’re hopeful," manager Dave Roberts said. "Chase is great. I’ll talk more about him, maybe in a couple of days."

The 39-year-old second baseman, a six-time All-Star, hit .236 last year for the Dodgers with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 309 at-bats. Acquired from Philadelphia in August 2015, he signed a $7 million deal for the following season and had a $2 million base salary last season, when he earned an additional $250,000 in bonuses.

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