Giants trade rumors: San Francisco scouting Chase Utley

The Giants have been scouting Phillies' second baseman Chase Utley in his first games since returning from injury, according to a report from Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. San Francisco's interest is likely tied to the injured back of All-Star second baseman Joe Panik.

Utley has been linked to the Dodgers, Cubs and Yankees so far this month after not being dealt before July's non-waiver trade deadline. The veteran appeared in his first games since late June for Philadelphia this weekend in San Diego, hitting .400 with two RBI in ten at-bats in his return.

Utley, 36, will likely clear revocable trade waivers due to his declined performance this season (hitting .185/.260/.286 with four homers in 67 games) and relatively expensive contract (about $5 million for the rest of this season). He will then become eligible to be traded to any team to provide veteran depth at second base for the playoff run, but is not expected to become a starter for a new club due to a vesting option in his contract that will guarantee him $15 million for next season if he has 248 more plate appearances before the end of the year.

Utley has a full no-trade clause as a result of his ten-and-five rights, but is a Pasadena native who may be willing to return to the west coast as he nears the end of his career. He recently stated that he would be "more than happy to listen to" trade proposals from the Phillies this month.