Howie Kendrick Injury Places Phillies in Tough Roster Predicament
Could one of the Phillies top prospects make their Major League debut with Howie Kendrick on ice?
A terrific defensive play in left field has left veteran Howie Kendrick missing from the lineup with a sore side. He appeared to be fine after the play, but later disappeared into the tunnel with a member of the training staff.
General Manager Matt Klentak acknowledged that Kendrick is still recovering, and a stint on the disabled list is possible.
Major League Baseball adjusted the disabled list, making a minimum stint 10 games instead of 15. A minor injury such as this would be the perfect example as to why a change in the system was needed.
Not having Kendrick available will opening a spot on the Phillies 25-man roster, and potentially see a young outfielder be called up.
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The most likely name to be called up is Roman Quinn, who appeared in 15 games for the Phillies last year. He’s currently hitting .244 with the IronPigs, but could help the major league team’s emphasis on speed.
Because Kendrick’s potential stay on the disabled list is expected to be temporary the expectation that a major prospect such as Nick Williams or Dylan Cozens is called up is unlikely.
Kendrick’s injury also gives Aaron Altherr and Daniel Nava the opportunity to play their way into more consistent at-bats. Nava is starting Tuesday evening against the Mets in place of the injured Kendrick.
Because of Nava and Kendrick’s presence on the major league roster, Philadelphia could, in turn, add another arm to a weak bullpen.
This would set off a flurry of other roster moves to make space on the 40-man roster. None of the Phillies minor league bullpen arms have one of those 40 spots, meaning someone would need to be either designated for assignment or placed on the long-term disabled list.
Clay Buchholz’ forearm surgery could force Philadelphia to place him on the 60-day disabled list, thus clearing a 40-man roster spot.
Candidates to move from Triple-A include Pedro Beato, Michael Mariot, Cesar Ramos, or the famed switch-pitcher Pat Venditte.
Next: Phillies vs Mets: Live Stream, Start Time, TV Info
First pitch for Tuesday night’s game in Queens is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.