Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will have infielder Chase Utley at his disposal come Opening Day.
Utley received word from the league Sunday that he won't be forced to serve a two-game suspension stemming from his controversial slide into New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada during Game 2 of the NLDS last October.
Major League Baseball and the players' association rescinded the suspension due to inconsistencies in how the play has been called in the past, with previous players not being suspended for similar occurrences.
Tejada suffered a broken leg on the play and missed the rest of the postseason, but is expected to be ready for the start of this campaign. Utley appealed the suspension and was able to participate in the remaining games of the series.
"I care about me. I don't care about what's going to happen there," Tejada told reporters when asked about the Utley ruling.
Last month, MLB revised the rule on what it deems an appropriate slide into second base. Runners are still permitted to make contact with the fielder, but must slide prior to reaching the base. They must also adhere to the following: be able to reach or touch the base, slide while attempting to stay on the base, and not change pathway to the base.
The league hopes the new rule will lead to more consistent handling of suspensions.
