By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
One of the last necessary actions before former Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley could officially retire — following his 16-year Major League Baseball career — was to have his $1 million 2019 contract obligations nullified through an unconditional release.
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Friday that they did just that to the six-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and 2008 World Series champion.
Thank you, Chase. pic.twitter.com/tINRcH2Wjv
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 10, 2018
It is not yet known how or when Utley will officially retire, nor whether he will hold a press conference. Could a one-day contract with the Phillies be imminent?
Utley ended his career with 1,885 hits, 259 home runs, 1,025 RBI, and a .275/.358/.465 slash.
An end to an amazing career, filled with hustle, heart and respect for the game of baseball.
Chase Utley, you will always be the man. #ThankYouChase #Phillies pic.twitter.com/2UQSdgQfZe
— Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) October 29, 2018
