With little time for hearing, Chase Utley likely to be eligible for Games 3, 4

Chase Utley will likely be eligible to play in Games 3 and 4 of the National League Division Series on Monday night as Major League Baseball and the players' association prepare for a hearing on the two-game suspension for the Los Angeles Dodgers infielder.

Two baseball officials with direct knowledge of the situation said there won't be sufficient time for both sides to prepare in a fashion that affords Utley due process as mandated by the collective bargaining agreement.

The officials spoke to Paste BN Sports on condition of anonymity because the process is ongoing.

"The Players Association and my agent are handling the appeals process," Utley said in a statement. "I having nothing more to stay than to reiterate that I feel terrible about Ruben's injury. Now my teammates and I are focused on Game 3 and doing everything we can to win this series."

With little time for an appeal hearing, Utley will eligible for Game 3 after he slid hard and late into second base in an attempt to break up a double play during the seventh inning of Game 2. New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada suffered a broken right fibula on the play.

Game 3 is tonight at Citi Field in New York and Game 4 Tuesday. A fifth game, if necessary, will be played Thursday in Los Angeles.

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