Dodgers bring back Utley on 1-year deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers are pausing their search for a top starting pitcher in an effort to fortify their middle infield, by agreeing to a one-year deal with free-agent second baseman Chase Utley.

The deal is expected to pay Utley $7 million in guaranteed salary, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, representing a slight drop from the $11-million option the Dodgers previously declined for 2016.

Utley, 36, was acquired by the Dodgers in August after spending his entire 13-career with the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran infielder played in 34 games for the Dodgers, batting just .202/.291/.363 with 13 extra-base hits over 141 plate appearances.

Utley's struggles in Los Angeles were overshadowed by controversy when he broke the leg of New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada with a violent takeout slide during Game 2 of the NLDS. Though Tejada was ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs, Utley was eligible to play while he awaited his appeal hearing. No date has been scheduled.

Utley, who grew up in the Los Angeles suburbs and played for UCLA in college, was said to be seeking a multi-year deal this offseason. Despite injuries and a lack of power in recent years, Utley's still managed to produce offensively when healthy, amassing the seventh-most WAR (11.6) at his position since 2012.

It's unclear whether Utley will challenge for the starting second-base job with the Dodgers, who are expected to audition a pair of younger options next spring in prized prospect Jose Peraza and Enrique Hernandez.

Utley's reported agreement follows a tumultuous 48 hours for the Dodgers, who saw Cy Young runner-up Zack Greinke reportedly sign with division rival Arizona Diamondbacks, while their backup plan, Jeff Samardzija, inked a five-year deal with the San Francisco Giants.