It doesn't matter how well Chase Utley is swinging the bat, a hit by pitch is just as good as a base knock to No. 26.
We knew that all too well watching Utley in Philadelphia. After all, "The Man" is the Phillies' all-time leader with 173 hit by pitches. The next closest is Mike Lieberthal with 88.
And you better bet that stat isn't strictly a product of bad luck. Utley would commonly wear a pitch in the back, leg or arm without making much effort to get out of the way.
That's what Philly loves about him — toughness and whatever it takes to win.
Who can forget this one?
At 38 years old and with a different club, Utley hasn't changed.
MLB
He was plunked in the Dodgers' 9-4 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday. It came in a three-run fifth inning, which helped Los Angeles break the game open.
Utley, who is rolling right now, went 3 for 4 with a triple, double and two runs scored. He's 22 for his last 56, hitting .393 since May 9 to raise his batting average from .098 to .252. The Dodgers have won six straight and are in first place of the NL West.
And Utley won't have any problem taking more pitches off the body.
Just look at this epic quote.
Chase Utley ... still and always "The Man."