Kyle Kendrick could be making his last start with the Phillies

Sep 8, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) pitches during the first inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Kendrick has a chance to become a ten-game winner with the Philadelphia Phillies for the sixth season in his career Wednesday night and it just may be the last time he ever has such an opportunity.

The right-hander has been with the Phillies organization since he was drafted in the seventh round of the 2003 draft.  Kendrick made his big-league debut on June 13, 2007 at just 22.  Now in his eighth season with the club, he’s battled mediocrity throughout his career to compile a 73-68 lifetime record.  Following this season he’ll be a free agent.

Heading into Wednesday’s matchup against the Miami Marlins, Kendrick is 9-13 with a 4.73 on the season.  In his last six games he’s won four, including a follow-up gem to the Phillies’ combined no-hitter on September 1st.

In his last start against Miami, just 11 days prior, Kendrick was tough over 6.1 innings as he allowed just one earned run when Garret Jones took him yard.  Jones has homered twice against Kendrick in his career, while Casey McGehee and the injured Giancarlo Stanton are the only other current Marlins to hit home runs off the righty.  Kendrick owns a 1-1 record in four starts against the Marlins in 2014.  He’s allowed eight earned runs in 12.2 innings at Marlins Park this season.

Miami will try to even the season series with the Phillies Wednesday night behind Brad Hand.  This season Hand is 0-1 in three appearances against Philadelphia, one of them as a reliever.

Hand faced Kendrick in his last start against the Phillies.  The Phillies won that game 2-1 courtesy of Maikel Franco who drove in a run and scored off a Marlon Byrd double.

Franco is second in the Phillies’ lineup and set to play third base Wednesday.

Ben Revere has so far has not been given fits by Hand, collecting three hits in six career at bats against him.  Overall the southpaw has been just a bit tougher on lefty batters as they have a .239 average against him compared to a .275 average for righties.

Phillies lineup:

Revere CF

Franco 3B

Utley 2B

Howard 1B

Byrd RF

Ruf LF

Nieves C

Galvis SS

Kendrick P

Marlins lineup:

Yelich LF

Solano 2B

McGehee 3B

Bour 1B

Jones RF

Hechavarria SS

Hernandez CF

Mathis C

Hand P