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Manager Dave Roberts plans to give Utley the day off Monday against the Marlins, David Vassegh of 570 AM Los Angeles reports.
The Dodgers intend to activate left fielder Carl Crawford (back) on Monday, which will have a ripple effect throughout the entire lineup. Howie Kendrick, who had been seeing reps in left field, will get a chance to return to his normal position at second base, which could pose a threat to Utley's playing time long-term. The Dodgers also have utility man Enrique Hernandez at their disposal, who can play both in the outfield and at the keystone. Utley had started seven straight games for the Dodgers, but his role moving forward will be unclear. A .317 batting average should be enough to keep him in the lineup, but if the veteran starts to struggle at the plate, it will be tough for Roberts to continue awarding him starts. For now, Utley will sit as usual against a southpaw (Wei-Yin Chen), but should be back in action when a right-hander is on the hill.
