MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies’ Ryan Howard Injury Could Lead to Chase Utley Trade?

Jul 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) reacts on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelpia Phillies star Ryan Howard has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with an injury, which in turn is going to lead to an overwhelming amount of MLB trade rumors concerning both Howard and Chase Utley.

Talk about the potential end of an era.

According to Phil Sheridan of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the team could decide to ship Howard away. If not, Utley could be the one to go:

"He will get another one Sunday or Monday. This time, doctors will assess whether Howard further damaged his left knee while playing in pain the last couple of months. They will decide whether he needs surgery or if rest will suffice. Either way, Howard will miss the two weeks that will determine whether the Phillies are buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.If they are the latter, then Chase Utley could be one of the commodities shipped away. That would truly signal the end of this era of Phillies baseball. Howard, Utley, and Jimmy Rollins – you may add Carlos Ruiz if you wish – have been the hub of this wild spinning wheel of an era. The moment that core is broken up, the era is officially over."

Utley has been linked to the Toronto Blue Jays for quite some time now. Howard’s name has come up in a variety of scenarios that will not be put to rest until he is either healthy or shipped somewhere.

Stay tuned. The Phillies could be undergoing some major changes.

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